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Date & Time: The duration of the 20th and 21st
Location: Late 1800's Old West
Characters: Wilder siblings
Summary: This mission of retrieving stolen goods!
Warnings: Violence and will add anything else if necessary.

[Her first mission. And with her brother, no less! It's an entirely nerve-wracking experience for Seles, and so she's been notably silent the whole time up until now. Her mind is focused on the task at hand, and honestly, she finds no problem with it-- it's worry that she'll mess something up that has her held back. Worried.

Nervous.

Ahh... But she's strong, isn't she? Tokunaga said it himself. He may be kind enough to try and make her feel better about some things, but she knew him long enough to tell when he was lying. And those words... they weren't a lie. She didn't have to be stable or healthy to be strong. Even if it's not as strong as she'd like to be.

But her thoughts are getting distracted here, and she shifts on the edge of the bed of the simple inn to slide a small dagger into place beneath the garter on her right leg.

She drops the dress again, standing from the bed and grabbing her newly styled (but still plenty useful) handbag from it as well. She had all that she needed inside, and magic on her person, but she didn't want to be stuck in a situation without some sort of a backup if her purse was snatched away. (She can think ahead like this!) She was dressed to look the part, at least, in a long, western dress nice enough to go out in (she was very determined to not wear anything she deemed looked 'low class'), and a surprisingly simple hat.]

How are we going to find them? [She finally speaks up, with a bit of hesitation because she's so worried about saying something that may have a simple answer. That may seem stupid. She can't seem to look at Zelos while she asks, for this reason, brushing at the ruffles on her front instead.] All I've heard since our arrival is that they're 'ruthless'.

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[Zelos was already hating this mission idea. Sending his sister into a dangerous mission with con-men? This seemed like a terrible idea. ]

[Then again, after finding out his roommate is hosting some evil thing and may one day be taken over if they don't find a solution-- this might be a nice distraction that isn't sex and lots of liquor.]

[He meanwhile is wearing proper clothes that match the station that Seles picked out, since there was no point in not going as siblings. A suit with tailcoats, a top hate, a cane that was actually a sword. The clothes certainly were comfortable, and they suited him well and he knew how to wear them- though it sure did feel weird after not being dressed higher class for months and months. ]

[At her question, he considers while looking out the window.]

With how we look, easiest way would be to get robbed ourselves.

[The idea clicks easily into mind as a good one, and she glances over to him finally. They were dressed so nicely. They could very easily be people with money or prized possessions, so she understood that much at least.

But how does one try to get armed? She has a feeling it's her own lack of experience in the public world that's blocking her answer from that one, so she doesn't ask out loud.

Instead, she thinks on it a bit more and comes up with a different sort of question to ask. Maybe if she pries in other areas, the rest will become clear as well.]

Both of us? Can we be sure they won't just kill us to rob us?

Oh. They'll definitely try.

[His tone is way too casual for that statement. Another day, another attempt on his life]

Buuut they'll try no matter how we find them once we take that nail or whatever away, so no point worrying about that detail.

[Her fingers curl lightly over the straps of her handbag at that. He's so... casual about it. Uncaring. He's not worried at all, is he? At least he doesn't seem to be, and Seles can't help but admire that.

She's completely worried. For him, for herself... Agh. This is getting in the way!]

Then let's get going!

[Pushing past Zelos in a hurry, she'll head out the exit of the door to the inn, head held high and purse clutched neatly in front of her. She hasn't a clue where she's headed towards, but that hardly matters right now.

At least if anyone's a target for robberies, it's probably the noble girl who's lived her life in an abbey...]

[He meanwhile is startled by that]

Whoa whoa - wait! Shouldn't we come up with a plan first?

[She stops with the door half open, handle still in hand as she turns to face him again. Honestly she's surprised-- he had been so casual a moment earlier!]

You were speaking as if this whole thing was so easy, I thought you'd had everything planned out already! [It's hard to tell if she's irritated or what...]

That's...my natural speaking tone, Seles.

I mean I'll think of something - just give me a sec!

[She seems reluctant, but lets the door close as she steps back in. She's overreacting, perhaps. Ever since arriving here, she's felt so completely on edge with everything.

It made her almost want to go back to the Abbey. At least she knew how to act there. What was expected of her...

After a few seconds pass, she speaks up.]

Well?

[Welcome to the real world Seles. No one knows wtf is going on, it's a thing]

[He considers a moment before nodding]

Maybe if we spread a rumor around that we're new to town and looking to sell something valuable, that'll lure the guys to us. That way, we can be ready.

A rumor?

[That does make sense, but goodness that seems like it would take so long... As fast as rumors fly, she can't help but remember waiting for the next rumor of Zelos to come along.

This may be a skewed example, though, she realizes, and keeps this to herself.]

Would they really believe we could be so foolish as to blatantly advertise our riches?

[He snorts, waving his hand as he talks]

Of course they would! Wealthy people do it all the time.

[They do, huh? She looks thoughtful about this, rocking on her feet a bit before moving to pace lightly instead. A lot less fidgety looking and improper than rocking...

But she does look a little more excited. It's almost like she's part of a novel, being all stealthy and actiony like this!]

Perhaps I could visit a few of the shops and mention a jewel...

[Yes because you need to be perfectly proper when alone with your brother]

[He nods]

Alright. I'll come with you, okay?

[The slightest pink tint meets her cheeks at that. Suggesting to go with her... It still pleases her, even now. She's trying to remain calm, collected, and proper, though!

Because yes, that is a necessary thing for her to do.]

Alright. [Stopping her pacing, she tosses him a look.] Can we go now, then?

[He chuckles. Wow. She actually blushed. And here he was offering to make sure nothing bad happened.]

Haha, alright alright. We can get going.

[Great! She keeps this exclamation in thought only, moving to head for the door as soon as it's voiced that they can go. Not that she needs his permission or anything...

Anyway. She seems very set on heading to any shop she can find and stopping inside, politely calling over the shop keeper right away. Overly excited and naive, but maybe that's a good thing to be expressing in this situation? ~~It's probably good Zelos came with her.~~]

[And he follows along! He's good at keeping a straight face while Seles is talking to the shopkeeper. The over-excitability and naivety will only help them seem like good targets, so he does little to purge it.]

[While she talks, he meanwhile looks around the shop to try to find something to buy. Something pretty, useless and expensive - to add to the bluff that they are loaded with money and airheads. He settles on on a necklace. He waits to speak until Seles is through]

My my- hey sister? What do you think of this?

[Sure, it costs a good chunk of what they allotted Zelos for this mission, but hey, he can always skip a few meals. ]

[Turning from her conversation to leave the shop keeper turning back to himself nervously, clearly trying to double eavesdropping with his own actions and thoughts, Seles turns to face her brother. She hadn't expected anything like this, but it's a smart idea when she thinks of it.

Even so, her eyes widen in brief surprise at the item.]

This is... [Shaking herself out of her touched stupor, she raises a hand to observe it. How much is this...? But, she supposes to ask would ruin a lot.] It's gorgeous; I must have it!

[Well at least she's convincing at the spoiled brat thing... But okay, even she feels silly blurting that out so bluntly. The shopkeeper seems quite intrigued though...]

[Wow that's quite a reaction out of her, but at least she seemed to pull it off. He lets a little chuckle come out as he looks at the shopkeeper]

Heh, well you heard the lady! We'll take it.

[He'll pull out the money for it, acting like it's no big deal to pull out that much cash and put it on the counter. Man, to remember the days when it wasn't a big deal. When he was rich and not working to keep two bottomless stomached teenagers fed-]

[Ugh did he just have nostalgia? Gross. At least it doesn't show on his face and once he's paid and the necklace is in it's box- he gives a nod at Seles to leave.]

Well, we should be off now, yes?

[She takes it from him as he gets the money, quick to hold it up to herself already and admire it in a nearby reflective surface. And the shopkeeper is left to ecstatically pick up the money and compliment its look, thanking them for their time and purchase and eagerly inviting them to come again.

Smiling at the nod of her brother, Seles moves to step out, arms reaching already to put on the necklace. Why shouldn't she wear it? And to display such an expensive thing openly is good, surely! This was about the fifth shop today, and that's not mentioning the citizens they passed who stopped them for curious questions or offers.

So it probably shouldn't be too surprising for Seles to step out just a few paces and nearly run into a couple of men while putting on her necklace. ...But it is, and she jolts a little in surprise and steps back. They look friendly, about like any other person they'd passed today-- and from the looks of it, they had been intending to enter the shop a bit behind them, themselves.

But rather than a simple excuse me and a passing, one of them reaches to take the necklace in hand as if admiring it, smiling friendly all the while. "Well, doesn't that suit a fine lady well! Is there a special occasion?"

How is she supposed to react to this sort of thing, anyway? It might hit her as odd, yes, but she's more naive than paranoid, and so thoughts of a couple of overly nice men being the con-men hasn't really entered her mind just yet. She just blinks, glancing down a bit at it in his hand as she clutches her handbag.]

Um-- No. There's no occasion at all. I thought it went well with a dress I have back at home. [Yeah she's still pretty good at this.]

[Zelos in the meanwhile had inwardly groan when she had decided to put on the necklace. He was a lot more experienced in the world, and knew fully well stuff like that made you a walking target- but it's not like he could tell her that publicly without blowing the act. ]

[When the men came, while Seles was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt? Zelos...was always much less trusting. Especially when it came to his sister. He wasn't sure if these in specific were the con men, but they were certainly too friendly. And so he steps in closer, not hesitating to speak up and make his presence known]

Excuse me, but isn't it poor manners to fondle a lady's things without permission?

[The men laugh at that, though the one holding onto her necklace does at least let go, standing up straighter with a grin. "I didn't mean to be rude! That's just quite a flashy trinket she has there... It's not every day you see someone wearing something like that."

As that man talks, the other seems to shrug the conversation off and head around the redheaded siblings and back into the shop. Seles is focused on the first, though, adjusting her necklace now that it's been released.]

Why not?

[And well, that's just answered with a laugh, and the annoyance on her face is all too clear. She's trying to bite her tongue, though, and so he slips in his own question first.

"Now, you two wouldn't happen to be the ones I've heard are trying to sell off some flashy gem, are you?"]

Uh huh.

[But he'll keep a smile up as he watches this guy, putting his own hand on his hip while staying at Seles's side. ]

[We're so having a chat about safe shiny things to wear when we get home missy. But for now right now, he'll take the turn answering]

My my, word travels that fast does it?

[BUT SHE'S TAKING THIS HOME AND WEARING IT EVERY DAY... But right. Guy in front, smooth-talking to get the gem or find out where it is. Guy in the shop, shopping but actually paying attention!!

"Small town." That was the offered response as the guy glances between the two. "Mind if I take a look?"

At that, Seles reflexively glances up to Zelos, and then back to the man again. What does she do here??

In the end, she sort of raises her purse a bit and glances down at it. Should she... pretend to pull something out? Zelos must have something in mind, right?]

Well...

[Or he could just watch her turn into an uncertain wreck of how to handle things that's also possible]

[And he does, he speaks quite smoothly without any sign of making things up. Since really, after Cruxis? This was child's play]

It's not on us right now, I'm afraid. Didn't want it to get stolen off us, you know?

Why? Are you an interested buyer, sir?

[As the guy states that yes, as a matter of fact, he is, Seles lowers her bag again and lets Zelos do the talking. He's good at this. It's sort of admirable, but sort of makes her wonder how he's so good at it all the same...

"Maybe we could arrange a meeting to discuss prices? You can't expect me to buy a gem I haven't even seen yet, after all!"

That sort of discussion is happening now, and Seles can only be quiet.]

[Seles after the last time, do you really want to know more about his past life choices. do you?]

[But he keeps talking, not breaking his act once]

Heh, right right of course. How about tomorrow at noon? We're staying in the hotel, were lucky enough to get a room with such a lovely view of the town. We can meet at the saloon across the street. Sound good to you?

[Sure, he expects more from that hint for them to try to attack them in the night, but honestly? That's what he's hoping for. ]

[Yes. Yes she does.

And it's a smart choice by Zelos, as the man had been digging for a purpose like that to begin with. Of course, he's smart enough to realize that was a pretty big opening there, but... he seems to agree eagerly enough, laughing and gesturing over in the right direction with a 'I'll see you there, then!' before he moved off to follow his buddy into the store.

Seles waits until he's out of earshot before speaking again.]

He was a lot more talkative than any of the others... But could they be--? I mean, they walked away just now.

Yeah, see you there!

[He keeps up the facade until Seles speaks up, shrugging]

Pretty sure they are. If so, they might try to get the jump on us tonight.

Wanna go back to the hotel?

[Oh.

Smiling a bit at her brother's quick thinking, she can't help but admire it a little. Still, the thought of outright praising him in a moment like this does seem a bit strange... So how does she do it?]

I see. I suppose you're more intelligent than rumors lead most to believe. [At least it has a teasing smile to go with it as she slips in to take his arm.] Let's head back.

[he makes an offense sound]

Whaaat? You seriously thought I was that dumb? Seleeees!

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