un: drenched kitten of heated purrs, voice;

[jeoha]

It has come to my attention that some of us have had more difficulty earning coin in the city than others.

[ Translation: He's broke as fuck and can't pay the portion that Mingyu mentioned in his last post that they would be expected to. ]

My companion Ylsa has informed me that the fur and beast trade in this city can bring coin, and has reluctantly agreed to accompany me outside the city to hunt. If any of you have similar skills and have yet to make your contribution to our shared cause, you are welcome to join us, but I must insist that you are capable of handling yourself not only with the hunt, but with any deathless that we may come upon outside the city. This is not a risk-less venture, and I have no intention of allowing anyone to put themselves in harm's way unnecessarily. So no, there will be no training on the hunt, at this time. If you wish to train, we can do so here in the House.

If anyone requires furs or skins to make warm weather clothing - and if you do not have them yet, you will need them - you may request them for a far smaller sum from us than you would find on the market. [ A pause: ]

And that includes you, ladies, as thanks for your gracious hospitality.

[ There's a tittering over the channel that indicates that someone, at least, is listening. ]

Also - I think it may be wise for all of us to meet. In person. At once. Mingyu's step toward organization was a wise one, but from the moment we arrived here we became brothers in arms. Our survival and our success will rely solely on each other, and that requires knowledge and trust.

I expect most of you will agree.

Comments

[jeoha]

We are all thrown into a new world with rules and regions we have never known. I am not sure what commonality one could expect, in the circumstance.

[ Translation: give the kids a break, old man ]

It will depend on the size of the party, but we hope to make multiple trips, if the first is successful. Ideally we would leave before dawn, and return at sunset, or just before.

Staying overnight in the tundra with roaming deathless is not wise, but may end up necessary, and we should prepare for the eventuality.

[darkeststars]

[ the kids really need to get off his 23-year-old space lawn!!! ]

Forget the deathless, the cold could just as well get us in that case. [ grimacing ] But I suppose we'll manage. I shall plan for at least the one trip, then. If we have mishaps on the journey, I can take care of any injuries as well. [ you might not enjoy it, mind you, but he's good at what he does. ]

[jeoha]

If we are not prepared, yes. But that is why preparation is crucial. The cold will not kill if you know how to meet it.

[ A pause. ]

You are a healer?

[darkeststars]

Essentially, yes. [ hesitating for a second -- it's hard to explain to even fellow Sith, let alone this relative stranger, considering Lee Chang isn't even one of the people he's heard mentioning 'magic' around here. ]

Probably not any kind you're familiar with. I can promise my effectiveness at least, though. My skills were honed on the battlefield, but I've felled a few beasts in my time as well.

[jeoha]

I have quickly learned there are many, many skills here that I am not familiar with. But I trust your own assessment of your abilities.

Will you require anything in preparation for the hunt?

[darkeststars]

Hm, yes, the second I think I've got the galaxy figured out, it certainly does like to cough up new mysteries.

I presume the two of you have something to transport these kills in? If we'll need more, I can probably come up with something, but I don't have anything like that right on hand.

[jeoha]

Ylsa says we should be able to find a sled, for an offer of the cut. Or purchase one. But with the snow as thick as it is, right now, it would be the most reliable.

[darkeststars]

Sensible enough. I will be waiting outside the House before dawn, then. Or I suppose Bai Mingyu can raise me for you in a pinch.

[jeoha]

[ His voice is a little stiff when he replies: ]

I don't think that will be required. An hour before dawn. Be prepared.

[darkeststars]

Of course.

[ pausing, not sure he's read that tone in the other's voice right over these translators, but he's pretty good at noticing when people take issue with him. In a very neutral tone of voice: ]

...but is there some kind of problem?

[jeoha]

No.

[ At least, not a problem he is allowed to take issue with. Who Bai Mingyu takes to his bed is not his business - that has been made clear enough. Raise him, indeed. ]

Dress warmly.

[darkeststars]

[ you really gotta say this out loud to him at some point, buddy. Really. You really gotta.

There's a confused frown in his voice, but he'll let it drop for now. Whatever, the guy hasn't done him any bad turns yet. ]

I'll be prepared.