Alma Prologue: The Will of One

Jan 12 08:39:59 <StarmanTheta>	Howling, biting winds are as ubiquitous to the frozen lands of the Ice Kingdom as tentacool to the sea. It is hard to believe that, just 50 years prior, this land of frozen buildings and blankets of white was once a lush, sunny, and friendly place
Jan 12 08:42:11 <StarmanTheta>	But now it is the frozen jewel of the west, as it were. It doesn't take a genius to know that its snowy location, flanked by more temperate parts of the Emerald Lands, is in no way natural, but right now, who cares? You're currently seeking respite from the harsh outsides and the pokemon within it with your favorite pastime: browsing through your large stacks fashion magazines.
Jan 12 08:45:59 <StarmanTheta>	Perusing these floppy tomes of another time is nostalgic in a peculiar way nothing else can be. The people and their pokemon inside are so happy; even though they're humans, the way they stand and strut with all manner of colorful and eye popping clothes gives you a small taste of joy this chilly land is bereft of. Surely, sitting in the old, chilly apartment, reading these books with your assorted salvaged cloth and tailoring tools, heedless of the screaming wind that rattles the windpanes, beats being on the constant patrol for enemies against the King both outside and in.
Jan 12 08:46:31 <StarmanTheta>	But even that can't last, as a decisive, impatient knock comes from the door of the small one-room nest.
Jan 12 08:47:47 *	Alma puts the charcoal sketch she was working on on a pile of similar sketches that she'll probably never look at again, sighs dramatically, and goes for the door. "Mmmmyesssss?"
Jan 12 08:52:50 <StarmanTheta>	As soon as you unlock it, the door more or less swings open. In the frost-covered hallway stands three pokemon that you instantly recognize as similar Knights of the Icy Crown by the cloaks they wear. Two beartic look down with gruff demeanor, but they pale in comparison to the shivers the one in the middle gives you: A froslass by the name of Vetr, a cool, collected pokemon, and also one of your superior officers.
Jan 12 08:53:29 *	Alma straightens up and salutes, now that she knows it's official business and not just 'some fucker's got the wrong apartment'.
Jan 12 08:54:39 <StarmanTheta>	Her expression is calm, but it's always calm, even in the heat of battle. She floats with folded arms. "Ah, good, any longer and I would have had to simply phase through the door." Almost looking through you, she looks around your shoulder at the mess of your apartment. "Busying yourself with those silly magazines again? You're truly hopeless."
Jan 12 08:55:01 <StarmanTheta>	"In any case, come with me. You have been summoned to the Castle."
Jan 12 08:56:19 <Alma>	Alma wants to argue, wants to say something witty about how the pursuit of knowledge is never silly, but Vetr simply doesn't give her a chance. Instead, she nods. "Understood. For what purpose have I been called?"
Jan 12 08:59:02 <StarmanTheta>	You know that the castle is the frozen over building upon the nearest hill, made from an actual castle that once was here but modified by the Ice King to be his home and stronghold. Vetr floats back to allow you in and simply says, "This is by order of the King, and the rest will be explained to you when you arrive. We simply cannot risk having traitors overhear us. Grab your cloak and come; don't dilly dally"
Jan 12 09:01:04 <Alma>	Well, that sounds... serious. What a pity, she'd just managed to settle in and get comfortable. The stack of drawings is carelessly shoved to one side as Alma retrieves her cloak and, after a minutes' hesitation, the white scarf she's embroidered with wispy patterns. A few seconds later, she's ready to go. What else could she do?
Jan 12 09:06:19 <StarmanTheta>	Given what she knows of the Knights of the Icy Crown, not much; they're the agents of the Ice Kingdom, and those that openly defy them wind up disappeared or 'captured by the enemy'. When she is ready, Vetr nods and she and her companions lead the way wordlessly, through the halls and down the steps to the street. It's like a place frozen in time, and there's plenty of ice and water types out on the street. Each one, though, when they see your group either gives you a wide berth or givens you very wide, placating smiles with no scarcity of practiced, nervous respect.
Jan 12 09:07:37 <StarmanTheta>	Vetr ignores all of them, leading you past the residential district. Occaisionally you see lower-ranked soldiers and some pokemon that are probably undercover as you wind towards the hill. The Castle stands on the far side of an icy wall, but the avalugg guards at the bottom of the hill haul your group to the entrance
Jan 12 09:09:19 <StarmanTheta>	The entire way, the entourage is silent, except for asking passage of the gate guards, two weavile. Entering into the long hall, it's just as cold inside as outside, and the walls are decorated with art--mostly, art of the Ice King, drawings of the large, blue bird with subscripts that give glory to him.
Jan 12 09:09:39 <StarmanTheta>	Vetr leads you down a hallway filled with statues. Perception on the statues?
Jan 12 09:10:36 <Alma>	sure!
Jan 12 09:10:43 <Alma>	Even though I don't want to know the answer
Jan 12 09:12:19 <StarmanTheta>	The statues are well decorated, each like ice sculptures in a variety of dramatic poses and even with sashes and other accessories. They're of many creatures, pokemon and human, and under each is a plaque commemorating a victory of the Ice King's conquest
Jan 12 09:12:36 <StarmanTheta>	...though, on closer inspection, you realize these aren't ice statues.
Jan 12 09:12:42 <Alma>	yeeeep
Jan 12 09:13:22 <StarmanTheta>	They're the frozen corpses of each of the defeated leaders, posed in eternal humiliation to solidify the Ice King's victory. Vetr is very good at making sculptures like this.
Jan 12 09:14:43 <StarmanTheta>	Vetr breaks her silence only to see you looking at the statues. "Marvelous, aren't they? True works of art--I believe I like this one the best," she says, pointing at the frozen body of an emboar. "This general was such fun to kill."
Jan 12 09:16:52 <Alma>	"They are exquisite, ma'am," Alma replies in a near-monotone, focusing on both keeping as outwardly calm as possible and moving without a sound. She didn't want to disturb anyone, after all - disturbing what went on in the palace was a good way to, ah, end up on a pedestal.
Jan 12 09:18:51 <StarmanTheta>	"I'm glad you think so! Ah, I'll have to tell you about that battle some other time--it was before you joined with us. But enough sentiment..." she says, and continues on. Soon, she reaches a icy blue door. You can hear muffled talking behind.
Jan 12 09:19:23 <StarmanTheta>	The two beartic open the door to a room that once was probably an exquisite guest room in the palace. The fine upholstery has survived.
Jan 12 09:21:21 *	Alma takes a deep breath, lets it out, pulls her cloak a bit more tightly around herself, fidgets with her scarf, and then accepts that she's stalling and forces herself to step into the room.
Jan 12 09:21:47 <StarmanTheta>	Inside there is a table, a wide, fancy couch, and a single chair. Two glaceon are in the room, talking with the creature on the seat. You recognize her as a meowstic
Jan 12 09:22:02 <StarmanTheta>	She's also tied to the chair
Jan 12 09:23:03 <StarmanTheta>	And looks at your entrance with a mix of fear and hatred. Vetr turns to you as you enter. "This pokemon was seen with her group on the outskirts of our territory. Our border guards retrieved this insurgent--"
Jan 12 09:23:41 <StarmanTheta>	"I'm not doing anything!" She cries out, "I was just traveling, I swear I--" She's quieted by Vetr's icy gaze before the froslass continues
Jan 12 09:25:06 <StarmanTheta>	"This pokemon was traveling with a small group, humans amongst them with strange weaponry. She kept going on and on about being a doctor looking for medicine, which may be partially true, but we know what her true intentions probably are."
Jan 12 09:25:57 <StarmanTheta>	Vetr floats around the meowstic who visibly shudders, though from cold or fear you don't know. "Normally, we would simply execute such obvious spies without involving you, but she said something...interesting...Why don't you tell Alma here?"
Jan 12 09:26:21 <StarmanTheta>	The meowstic looks at you with pleading eyes. "P-please! I'm telling you, this is a mistake! I'm not going to hurt anyone, honest!"
Jan 12 09:28:43 <StarmanTheta>	"Y-you believe me, right? You're not like the others, I can tell!"
Jan 12 09:29:56 <StarmanTheta>	Vetr seems to be waiting to see how you handle this outburst
Jan 12 09:31:42 <Alma>	"What was it that you said?" Alma steadily meets the Meowstic's eyes with her own. "The more honest you are with us, the easier it will be for you," she added, lying.
Jan 12 09:33:45 <StarmanTheta>	The meowstic gulps. "I-I told them the same thing I said to the border patrol! Our group, we, we were just looking for the ingredients for a medicine that cures uncontrollable rage! We, we had heard there were clues out least, that there was a shroud..."
Jan 12 09:34:23 <StarmanTheta>	"L-look, please, we meant no harm! We are doctors! You didn't need to kill...we have sick patients!"
Jan 12 09:34:41 <StarmanTheta>	She struggles against her ropes, fruitlessly.
Jan 12 09:37:56 *	Alma furrows her brow and glances up at Vetr. "Forgive me, but I am not sure what about that was interesting enough to cause you to go through such effort. Surely the pursuit of a fairy tale is not particularly interesting?" She pauses, thoughtfully. "I suppose to see a creature of the mind in such a state is something which must be made note of, but..."
Jan 12 09:39:14 <StarmanTheta>	"It is of the thing she speaks." She nods to one of the glaceon, who retrieves a small journal from book stand. "The Ice King is quite interested in this shroud, and wants someone to go look into it. That someone is you."
Jan 12 09:40:37 <StarmanTheta>	The Meowstic is wide eyed when you're given the journal. "P-please, no, I need those notes! I'll do anything, please, just let me go!"
Jan 12 09:41:21 <Alma>	"I see." Alma thinks fast as she takes the journal and flips through it without really reading anything. "May I make a suggestion?"
Jan 12 09:41:33 <StarmanTheta>	Vetr ignores the meowstic. "Yes?"
Jan 12 09:44:57 <Alma>	"It could be to our advantage for me to travel in a group, so as to draw little attention outside of the Ice Kingdoms. And what better group than a band of healers?" She glances at the Meowstic with no real emotion on her face. "Especially ones who have been already doing research into the matter. I would suggest that we expel this Pokemon and her peers from our lands - and let them keep their charade a bit longer."
Jan 12 09:45:02 <Alma>	"So long as they are useful to us."
Jan 12 09:46:35 <StarmanTheta>	"The others are dead--they were quite uncooperative. This Meowstic is the only one left." She looks over at the terrified cat. "I suppose she can make herself useful in that regard."
Jan 12 09:47:29 <Alma>	"I see. I suppose that does make sense." Alma shrugs a little. "What would you advise, ma'am?"
Jan 12 09:47:55 <StarmanTheta>	"The insurgent shall redeem herself by assisting you, and in turn she may be pardoned for her gross acts against the crown, but not before she finishes telling all. Go on." She looks to the meowstic once more and she gulps, defeated. This is her only chance after all.
Jan 12 09:49:11 <StarmanTheta>	"...W-we had clues that this shroud, or the methods for its construction, lay far to the east. I compiled all I knew about it--th-they say medicine wrapped in it becomes incredibly effective. S-so we were searching..."
Jan 12 09:49:28 <StarmanTheta>	"B-but it appears it needs to be constructed..."
Jan 12 09:50:18 <StarmanTheta>	Vetr nods. "And you, being our little...fashion bug, seem well suited for such a task. At the very least, the Ice King thinks so, and he is very insistent."
Jan 12 09:51:20 <StarmanTheta>	"You leave tomorrow. You will follow the clues to find this Shroud, and if it exists you will construct it and bring it back to the Ice Kingdom. As a Knight, I'm sure it goes without saying, but you may not tell a soul about this. It would be...particularly unprofessional."
Jan 12 09:51:37 <StarmanTheta>	"Understood?"
Jan 12 09:53:21 <Alma>	"Fascinating." She nods. "I must admit some curiosity myself; in my studies-" She stresses the word, ever so slightly, "-I have never come across such a material. I will go, and of course I shall say nothing. I am quite certain my assistant is also well aware of the gravity of the situation. Is that not correct?" She resumes staring the Meowstic down.
Jan 12 09:55:16 <StarmanTheta>	The meowstic can only nod vigorously. Vetr, herself, uses words. "Good. Report back here at 5 A.M. tomorrow morning on the dot, and be ready to travel. I trust in your abilities as a Knight, Alma."
Jan 12 20:47:14 <StarmanTheta>	After handing you the journal and telling you the mission, Vetr dismisses you, saying that she and her men will make sure the captive is...taken care of for the journey. You exit the castle of stone, wood, steel, and ice and head down back to town. As you walk through the street, pokemon are going about their life. Some seem a bit fearful of you still, but without the entourage of Knights people seem more relaxed. Somewhat.
Jan 12 20:52:37 <StarmanTheta>	Though you must leave tomorrow, you still have the rest of the day, it seems, and it's only early afternoon.
Jan 12 20:54:33 <Alma>	Time to get supplies! She'll need a cloak that's a little less conspicuous than the one issued to Knights, and food, and probably some medicine wouldn't hurt...
Jan 12 20:57:46 <StarmanTheta>	Wouldn't hurt! The Kingdom usually provides, but bureaucratic messes tend to hamper people getting EVERYTHING they need. Not even the Knights are immune to this, so getting a few extra supplies is never a bad idea. The closest general is just two blocks away, and should have most of what you want.
Jan 12 20:58:43 *	Alma heads that way then, keeping her ears pricked for the sound of gossip. Not that'd help much; people tended to go quiet when they saw a Knight's cloak.
Jan 12 21:00:30 <StarmanTheta>	Walking through snow covered streets, you pass images t hat might have made an artist swoon. The wind has died down a bit, leaving only a gentle snow, painting the town blue and white in crystalline fashion. Many ice types are walking around, with the occasional water or pokemon with Thick Fat. Delibirds make deliveries, and mamoswines pull carts to taxi other pokemon around. When you arrive at t he general store--a large one-story building that was once a regional chain store half a decade prior--you find it rather busy. Pokemon always need something.
Jan 12 21:03:26 <StarmanTheta>	Though despite its crowdedness, pokemon always seem to make a way for you. Pokemon talk here and there--two snorunt gossiping about work, a vanillish peddling candies and pokepuffs, a spheal trying--unsuccessfully--to haggle down one of the exasperated beartic shopkeeps.
Jan 12 21:04:47 *	Alma keeps her head down as she quickly assembles a traveler's kit, then hesitates before walking up to the Vanillish. "What do you have that's portable?"
Jan 12 21:09:46 <StarmanTheta>	"Portable, portable! Many things, Ma'am, and only the finest for Knight! Our ice-gummy pokepuff blend sure to keep you going and keep you cool even in the hottest places, a million premade meals to choose from that will last for weeks on the road, waters, juices, and tonics of all kind, sweet, cool, and refreshing!" He's really going into his spiel, but outside of his candies and such it's probably just your standard fare.
Feb 05 20:53:24 <Alma>	Those ice gummy pokepuffs do sound good... Alma buys a few, along with more standard rations, things that will stand up to both time and abuse.
Feb 05 20:59:21 <Bossa_Nova>	"Thank you, thank you!" the floating ice cream thing says! The other pokemon are eying your pokepuffs eagerly...though you do feel something tugging at your scarf!
Feb 05 21:00:27 <Bossa_Nova>	It appears...to be a little cubcho!
Feb 05 21:01:05 *	Alma turns to smiiile at the cubchoo in a way that may indicate great pain of it gets her scarf snotty.
Feb 05 21:04:34 <Bossa_Nova>	The cubchoo, however, seems oblivious. In fact, he seems wide eyed! "You're a Knight, right? That's why you got to go first?" his question is asked not with resentment, but a genuine sense of childlike frankness and wonder
Feb 05 21:06:10 <Alma>	"...Why yes I am, little boy." Well, he's not using her OFFICAL KNIGHT REGALIA or her BEAUTIFULLY HAND-MADE SCARF as a tissue so why not be nice. "It's a lot of work, though! You have to always do your best to help the Ice Kingdom!" As she speaks, her eyes dart around, looking for someone (anyone) who is better with kids than she is.
Feb 05 21:09:17 <Bossa_Nova>	Fortunately for you, someone seems to be, a beartic who is quickly darting for her child. THe cubchoo doesn't have long before he's snatched up, and the woman says, "I'm sorry, terriblysorry, for thos one bothering you! It won't happen again!"
Feb 05 21:09:46 <Bossa_Nova>	Though the cubchoo is unperturbed. "I wanna be a Knight too, one day! We'll live in a nice house and..." the beartic covers his mouth and takes him away
Feb 05 21:09:55 <Bossa_Nova>	the rest of the pokemon...are acting like they ain't seen nothing
Feb 05 21:10:24 *	Alma knows better than to assure either of them that it'll be all right, so she just readjusts her cloak and finishes making her purchases quickly.
Feb 05 21:12:11 <Bossa_Nova>	You manage to make the rest of your purchases easily, and exit the store...a perception check?
Feb 05 21:12:47 <Alma>	[21:12] <Alma> 3d6+2
Feb 05 21:12:47 <Alma>	[21:12] <CritSenpai> 3d6+2: 13 [3d6=2,5,4]
Feb 05 21:14:40 <Bossa_Nova>	You'll notice, when you're rounding the store, sounds of severe scolding. Out of view of the street, the beartic is saying, "You mustn't bother those people, dear! If you annoy them they can make it very hard for us, do you understand? You must show them respect!"
Feb 05 21:19:42 *	Alma sighs, but decides not to interfere. She's right, after all - most Knights would have been taken that quite a bit more badly than she would have. Better the little one learn it sooner than later.
Feb 05 21:21:39 <Bossa_Nova>	In any case, your preparations for the journey are done. It's only a matter of resting the night, then reporting back to the Castle bright and early for your mission.
Feb 05 21:22:37 <Bossa_Nova>	This time, you meet in one of the rooms near one of the side entrances. Vetr and her companions are there, with the froslass floating coldly as usual. "Good morning, Alma. Ready to begin your assignment?"
Feb 05 21:22:48 <Bossa_Nova>	It's less of a question and more of a statement
Feb 05 21:23:17 *	Alma , after spending the morning packing (and, to her regret, finally settling on not bringing any of her books) is impeccably groomed and outfitted. "Affirmative."
Feb 05 21:26:19 <Bossa_Nova>	"Naturally," she says. She nods to one of her associates, a Wailrein, who salutes and waddles out the room. He returns soon with the Meowstic
Feb 05 21:26:46 <Bossa_Nova>	She looks...wow, even worse for wear. Her paws are manacled and she still wears that strange collar. Doesn't look like she slept all that great.
Feb 05 21:28:44 <Alma>	"Do you have any further instructions before we depart, ma'am?" Alma decides to focus on Vetr instead of the Meowstic. It's easier to keep control that way.
Feb 05 21:28:50 <Bossa_Nova>	Vetr doesn't seem to mind or care. "I"m sure you remember the details of your mission well, but to remind you: you will leave here and follow the notes in the meowstic's journal. She shall assist you in finding any information on the Shroud, and you are not to share your mission with anyone."
Feb 05 21:29:36 <Bossa_Nova>	"She will be waiting for you by the entrance," she says, then with another nod, the Meowstic is led out towards the entrance just as unceremoniously as she was brought in. When she's gone, Vetr says, "And to answer your question,"
Feb 05 21:30:49 <Bossa_Nova>	She looks you in the eyes. "The nature of this mission is top secret. When you have gained sufficient intelligence, you will silence the Meowstic. Keep her alive so long as she's useful, but if she tries to run or tell others of our mission, you are to deal with it. By any means necessary."
Feb 05 21:30:53 <Bossa_Nova>	"Understood?"
Feb 05 21:32:01 <Alma>	"I understand."
Feb 05 21:32:20 <Alma>	Alma nods briefly, her gaze sliding towards the door the Meowstic left through. "And the collar?"
Feb 05 21:33:02 <Bossa_Nova>	"Good. You have been trained well." She follows Alma's gaze. "The collar will keep her from using her telepathy to communicate ideas, so don't let her take it off. Retrieve it afterward if you can, but it's not necessary."
Feb 05 21:34:57 <Alma>	"As could only be expected from the great Vetr." She nods. "Very clever."
Feb 05 21:36:17 <Bossa_Nova>	"Yes, of course." Her eyes have...a hint of pride? It's hard to tell with her whether she's happy or ready to disappear people. "Do you have any other questions?"
Feb 05 21:37:02 <Alma>	"Am I expected to provide regular status reports? If so, how?"
Feb 05 21:47:25 <Bossa_Nova>	"We have agents who you can contact." She says calmly. "Speak with one of the Jynx on the way out, they'll give you a gem for which you can use a psychic link with them."
Feb 05 21:48:41 <Alma>	"Understood. I have no further questions. To protect the Ice Kingdom and serve the King faithfully, I accept this mission."
Feb 05 21:49:14 <Bossa_Nova>	"The Ice King watches over you. Go forth, and succeed."
Feb 05 21:49:28 <Bossa_Nova>	With that, she vanishes. God, why does she always leave rooms like that?
Feb 05 21:50:48 *	Alma shivers, then turns and heads - trying her best not to scramble or bolt - out the door and towards the entrance.
Feb 05 21:53:12 <Bossa_Nova>	It's a trivial matter to meet the Jynx along the way and get the gem, and coming to the side entrance--cold, and fiercely guarded with an only egress being an underground tunnel--you see the Meowstic and the Wailrein. "Ready to go? Hope you take good care of this one," he says with a chuckle.
Feb 05 21:53:21 <Bossa_Nova>	The meowstic just shivers. Doesn't look like she's wanting to say much
Feb 05 21:55:09 <Alma>	"OF course. I am quite certain she understands exactly how important she is, don't you?" Alma glances carelessly back at the Meowstic, making sure she's following more than anything else. "Well then. It's time for us to depart."
Feb 05 21:57:09 <Bossa_Nova>	She follows quietly. The guard speaks up, "Yeah, we made sure she knows the importance of this. We convinced her to go along with it last night," he says casually. Soon, you stand upon the chilly air, on one of the hill paths on the other side of the Castle. The frozen forests strech beyond at the bottom of the slope. "Good luck!" The wailrein says, saluting
Feb 05 22:01:40 <Alma>	Alma crisply returns the salute, then starts leading the Meowstic along in front of her, giving her a few jabs with her claws if she doesn't move fast enough.
Feb 05 22:04:06 <Bossa_Nova>	You'll have to make a few jabs as you make your way down the trail and to the forest. The spirit is willing and scared, but the flesh is beaten and tired. It's not even until after you're well into the forest and out of sight of the rest that she even speaks to you. "Y-you...why are you doing this? All of you?"
Feb 05 22:04:31 <Alma>	"Tell me, what is it that I'm doing?"
Feb 05 22:08:49 <Bossa_Nova>	"Th-they didn't tell you?" She seems even more confused. "They...they wan't me to to lead you to where the Shroud is."
Feb 05 22:09:19 <Bossa_Nova>	"I have my notes, but...You don't...seem to just want it for the health of your city
Feb 05 22:10:15 <Alma>	"I think you're missing the point, dear."
Feb 05 22:10:20 <Alma>	"I don't particularly want it at all."
Feb 05 22:12:01 <Bossa_Nova>	"Th-then why are you?"
Feb 05 22:12:43 <Alma>	"Tell me, what do you think the alternative was?"
Feb 05 22:13:17 <Bossa_Nova>	"..." She goes quiet when you say that
Feb 05 22:13:43 <Alma>	"For you, at least."
Feb 05 22:13:47 <Alma>	Alma shrugs expressively.
Feb 05 22:14:48 <Bossa_Nova>	"I don't want my research to die..."
Feb 05 22:15:11 <Bossa_Nova>	"There's too many sick pokemon to just let if fall apart..."
Feb 05 22:15:49 <Alma>	"Then I suggest we do our best to keep you alive, yes?" Alma is starting to sound impatient.
Feb 05 22:36:14 <Alma>	"Well then, lead on."
Feb 05 22:36:20 <Bossa_Nova>	"According to our research, we should find something farther, towards the Mantine Bay Area...It's a ways away."
Feb 05 22:36:44 *	Alma fishes her pack for a ration and passes it to the Meowstic.
Feb 05 22:37:58 <Bossa_Nova>	"H-huh?" she looks at the food as if she's never seen it before. "O-oh! Thank you--I haven't eaten since they captured me!" Her eyes glow, but nothing happens, and she sheepishly tries to grab the rations, but with her paws manacled getting it open is kinda awkward.
Feb 05 22:38:38 <Alma>	OH RIGHT. Alma fiddles with them, trying to break them while making it look like a fat-fingered accident.
Feb 05 22:40:40 <Bossa_Nova>	Whether the meowstic notices or not, she doesn't seem to care and is focused only on the food. When you break it open, she seems to be actually full of energy, and wolfs down the contents before you know it. "It's delicious!" she says--probably just the hunger, the rations aren't known for being culinary masterpieces.
Feb 05 22:41:59 <Alma>	"Woops. Such a pity, but I suppose we'll have to do without these for now." She packs the remains of the manacles in her pack. "Oh, I don't think I ever got your name."
Feb 05 22:45:45 <Bossa_Nova>	She flexes her paws, the freedom seeming to bring a little cheer to her downtrodden face. "Ooh, my name? Er, well, my friends call me Bea."
Feb 05 22:47:03 <Bossa_Nova>	"Well, that's what my friend named me, before..."
Feb 05 22:47:43 <Alma>	"Bea. Wonderful." Alma says quickly. "I'm afraid I'm not really familiar with the lands outside of the Ice Kingdom - please, show me the way towards Mantine Bay."
Feb 05 22:48:46 <Bossa_Nova>	"Oh, right! Of course," she says, "but it'll be a long way." You walk together in silence for a few minutes, before she gulps. "Um..."
Feb 05 22:49:58 <Alma>	"Mmmmmyes?"
Feb 05 22:51:48 <Bossa_Nova>	She looks to the ground then at you. "After i show you this, then what? Can I go free? Do I need to return with you?"
Feb 05 22:54:45 <Alma>	"...."
Feb 05 22:55:09 <Alma>	"Well, that's certainly an interesting question. Tell me, how dangerous is the path to Mantine Bay?"
Feb 05 22:56:52 <Bossa_Nova>	"Er, well...we should be able to skirt the edge of the Desert so we will miss most of the Legion, but there's still plenty of pokemon who may be territorial, and the weather can get bad..."
Feb 05 22:57:22 <Bossa_Nova>	"And that's still not a guarantee we won't run into anyone from the Legion or the Dominion..." she shudders
Feb 05 22:59:10 <Alma>	"Yes yes yes." Alma waved a hand impatiently, then hurried to circle around Bea, bending to look her in the eyes. "I think what would be best is if you were to... ah... end up lost, or in an accident somewhere between here and there. Perhaps saving me from something; that would be lovely, don't you think?"
Feb 05 23:00:27 <Bossa_Nova>	"Lost? But it's dangerous if we..." She trails off, starting to understand the weight of  your words. "Oh. Oh...y-you mean you were order to-?"
Feb 05 23:00:54 <Alma>	"Which is why it is very important that you get lost before we find the whatever it is, right?"
Feb 05 23:01:28 <Bossa_Nova>	"..." Her wide eyes soften, and eventually she smiles. "I was right. You are different from the others...but, won't you get in trouble?"
Feb 05 23:02:23 <Alma>	"Not if things are done properly. ...Probably."
Feb 05 23:03:32 <Bossa_Nova>	"I...ok. I know this probably sounds weird, b ut I don't want you getting into trouble, what with giving me a new lease on life..."
Feb 05 23:03:43 <Bossa_Nova>	"Alma, right? That's what the Froslass called you."
Feb 05 23:04:25 <Alma>	"Yes, that's me."
Feb 05 23:04:42 <Alma>	"And a quest like this... it's going to take a while, don't you think? I'll have time to think of something."
Feb 05 23:05:36 <Bossa_Nova>	"I'll be sure to remember it! I'll pay you back one day..."