(6/17/01, Incomplete)
Who wants to be a mill-.. I mean, er, Who wants to be a pop star? Dirah sure does! But the million dollar question for today is how she can possibly manage it. A music competition.. Could any better luck have managed to present itself? After all, its common knowledge that the exceptionally talented Dirah would be able to ~easily~ win such a thing, with her eyes closed and her hands tied behind her back and even, possibly, with her mouth closed, for how talented she is. If this competition weren't Gebler Only. But Dirah is never one to give up! So its time to do the one thing that this perfect creation would never do otherwise--Beg. Yes, yes, its hard to believe.. But crossing one's fingers and hoping for a chance at stardom is worth it, as long as she can sing in this competition. So. Nomadic dress is her choice of the day, to fit her previous claim to nomadic heritage, and to set herself as far as possible from the known faces of known populations. No, this is Di, innocent and sweet. And she has entered this bar, light of foot and almost shy looking, to see what can be done about one stupid rule in applying to the competition.
Thoughts of music are dancing in Tifa's head as well. Is it that strange that certain dreams catch on so? Dirah's rambling has caught it, and the image of Tifa's favorite pop star almost always pops in to her head. It's too much to resist! Perhaps Dirah is a negative influence, because it IS rather irresponsible to put aside their mission for a silly little competition...but they deserve the break! They haven't done anything to celebrate their first successful move but play cards! So donning her nomad outfit from before, she wanders in behind Dirah, hoping to find their way into the cute little competition.
Music competion? Who has time for a music competition? Kale certainly doesn't. He's much too busy and important. The fact that he can't sing or play an insterment has NOTHING to do with it. Really. At this moment, Kale is sitting at his favorite table, quickly drinking some water and reading the newest Dazil news. Every now and then, he'll shake his head at a particularly erroneous artical.
Ah, who to ask, who to ask... Dirah might be a bad influence to the rest of her crew, but who can really blame her? Who can blame any of them? They've worked and worked in this accursed desert for weeks, trying to play the pirates. They won a victory, and what did they do for celebration? Play cards. And move on to the next piece of work. Ugh. Well, Dirah knows a surefire cure for this--We all need breaks, and this break is going to be the music competition! But who to ask? Hm. Dirah scans the bar as she enters, glancing over the rather sparse people collected here... And blinks as her gaze falls upon Kale. Lovely! Why not start questioning the only Gebler you actually know here? Its a far shot, true, but... Its as good as any other chance. So, charms up, little so-called nomad! And Dirah smiles so very innocently, as good an actress as she ever is, and walks up to where Kale sits. And so very kindly says, "Excuse me... Seargent Kale, right?"
Tifa continues following Dirah, and upon seeing Kale, she smiles rather happily. "Hello, it's good to see you again!" it's obvious she's in a really good mood, but what else would random images of singing in a concert too...it's almost like a dream come true to actually do something like that! She clasps her hands together, "Thank you for your kindness before, you remember us, don't you?"
Kale looks up from his paper. Oh, it was the nice nomad girls...who Sigurd had said were driving around in a fake Yggidrasil, and trying to blow he and the young prince up. So, by all rights, Kale should promptly arrest them. But their are two sides to every story, and what law says that these two have any less right to be then Sigurd and his crew? (Ignoring Dazil ordiance 344 section k, of course.) "Ah! Hello their, Di, and ...miss." They've been nothing but nice and polite, and Kale isn't going to be the one to be rude.
Errr, well... Its a good thing Dirah can't read minds. Or she'd -squirm- at that. Well, er, what does it matter, really? There are indeed two sides to every story. And who said Dirah had any less right to be Sigurd than Sigurd did? Well. Thankfully, this is not a topic of conversation yet. And the only thing on Dirah's rather one-track mind is finding a way into the musical competition. So, smiling ever, she responds, in her sweetest tone, "Its quite nice to see you again, seargent! I hope everything's been well?" Obviously not, for the security in Dazil to go up such that Dirah could not properly hope to run around in costume anymore. Pity.
There shouldn't be a law that says they can't be the Yggdrasil crew. If they can't, then Bart and company can't! Plain and simple. Tifa's mind, however, is focused on more(?) important things than that. "My name is Ara, I really should have introduced myself last time!" she nods. "Yes, how are you?" she mirror's Di's sweet tone, could this really be a person who'd blow up a group of pirates? No, and if you believe that...well, you're right. Still.
Kale smiles pleasently, and offers both the 'nomads' seats. "Indeed, I've been quite well." Well, his entire religion was validated. So, yes, 'well' would cover him. "I hope life has good for both of you." Kale folds up his newspaper and puts it aside, carefully. "So, what can I do for you ladies?"
"Things have been well enough, thank you..." Ah, yes, Dirah can be as polite as necessary indeed. Not to say that she's a bad person when she's not acting, mind you--she's merely not polite. At all. But that doesn't mean she's perfectly charming besides. Honestly, this time, without vanity or sarcasm. But, as acting is needed, she can keep to a role--there's a reason she was sent here on her peculiar mission in the first place after all. She takes one of the offered seats with a smile, and settles there a minute, wondering over just exactly how to put her request, to pray for any sort of a possitive answer. Finally, she settles on a tone that seems rather bashful, and somewhat timid, "Well... Actually we.. Well, we'd like to ask a teensy, tiny little favor of you actually..." And she lets that set in for a moment, "About.. Well.. You've heard about it haven't you?" Another pause. Guess what's going to come next. "The.. well, music competition?"
Tifa takes one of the offered seats as well. When Di finishes her question, Tifa decides to add to it, with a smile. "Yes...we wanted to go to the music competition...and were about to sign up for it...but then," she sighs. "...we found that it was Gebler only. We love music terribly, and would love to be in the competition..," she rests her arms on the table briefly, and tilts her head at Kale. "I know it's asking an awful lot of you, but you're the only Gebler we know...," it isn't helping that she's being kinda vague about exactly what he wants to do, but she figures either Dirah will clarify or he'll catch on.
Virginia enters quietly. She is silent in her arrival, though not intentionally stealthy. The door opens with a light squeak and closes behind her, and she lowers her hood and scans the bar quickly. Of course, she recognizes the dragonian demi-human and breaks into a light smile. He is speaking with two bleached-haired characters in strange outfits. She steps slowly toward him, not wishing to be a bother, and then waves timidly, hoping to catch Kale's eye.
Kale thinks on what to say...and then sighs. There are some boundries he can't cross. His ears twitch, and he sits back slightly, not noticing Virginia yet. He begins talking in a soft voice."Well, I wish I could help...and in any normal case, I would. However...there is the issue that you two aren't exactly Aveh's or the Fatima's best friends. Immitation being the greatest form of flattery aside, of course. You two seem fairly...nice, so I've not made issue with either of you coming into Dazil, or such. I really have no problems with what you two do in the desert. However, I cannot help you two get Gebler access. I have no way of knowing if you'd just use it for the concert."
Dirah catches her breath a little there, her glance shifting immediately in worry to Tifa. Ah, isn't it remarkable how fast the fun can run out of something when you're caught at it? Eer, right. What to do? Think really, really fast, Dirah. As a serious calm takes over her expressions--something truer to her more professional states, and she responds, in just an even a murmer, audible to them but not to the general bar, "Aveh's best friends? I admit perhaps we are not quite as adoring of the Fatimas as we played to, but we've done absoutely nothing to deserve such suspicion. Although I realize your job, being your job, requires that. But still. What have we done to prove dishonest?" Ah, weave logic upon logic.. For the great most of it is not untrue, "What possible use could we have for Gebler membership? We're performers, seargent.." How true. For actors are. "All we want to do is give this contest a shot. If you can think of a way for us to prove it, we'd be glad to."
Tifa frowns calmly at that, "...Sargeant Kale, what would we have done to deserve that? Imitation? I don't understand what you speak of," they are imitating nothing. They -are- the Yggdrasil crew. "I've told you we're simply nonviolent nomads, why would you believe otherwise?" the look she gives Kale begs him. "As Di said, we're simply performers wanting to try a hand in the music competition. Why would we misuse a Gebler membership?"
Virginia listens as she draws closer. Gebler membership? The word sounded familar. Was it the word Ildon mentioned when they were holed up in the Cathedral? She cannot recall anymore. She listens quietly, knowing better than to interrupt the quiet conversation at Kale's table, hoping inside that Kale will take a side glance and notice her. The two characters seem interesting. Musicians? Perhaps more like performers. Virginia shuffles her feet out of nervousness but manages to place a tiny smile on her face.
Kale 's ears twitch. "Hmph. Well, you don't seem to have any reason to be telling me lies...so I'll help you." Kale shakes his head. "It'll take me a while to do the paper work...but you'll be Gebler in time for the competition." Leaning back in his chair again, Kale thinks for a moment. "However...I may need a favor later in return for this."
Dirah blinks a few short times in response to that. Honestly? Really? Did she just hear what she thought she heard? Ah, how lovely! To think that it would be that easy to convince him! Ah, but honestly. What reason -did- they have to lie to him? Really.. They didn't. And they weren't. But still, what an exciteable thing Dirah can be at times, as she clasps her hands together cheerfully and chimes, "Oh goodness, thank you! That's so nice of you!" And.. Waaaaaiit. Well, she should have known that there would be a catch with this. For she unclasps her hands and returns to calm sanity just as quickly as she rejoiced and blinks a mild, "A favor? Well, that's reasonable, but.." But that's creepy. She hates having strings attached. And yet... Singing!
Well, it's not like a favor is -unreasonable-...but Tifa doesen't trust the dragon man yet! She's as enthusiastic about strings as Dirah is, and she shares the same opinion. How creepy. Well, if she wants to sing in the music competition, she's got to trust the Gebler she met only once before. "Oh, thank you. I really appreciate this, Sargeant," she smiles. "...but may I ask what the favor might be, first?" it's only fair, right?
Kale shrugs. "If I knew what I needed, I'd ask now." Kale tilts his head to the side, ears flopping. "However, there might be something we can arrange now...can you obtain safe passage across the Kislevi Aveh border?" An odd question, no? But Kale has just noticed Virginia...and he owes the her much. So, he will see what he can do.
Dirah hesitates at that thought, choking a little on the potential that lies behind that very question. Safe passage across the border? Oh, they'd be more than able to do that, and yet.. Just how much does Gebler know about them? How much does the Yggdrasil know about them? Suddenly their intelligence oporation is seeming a great deal less... Secret. And while Dirah represses a shudder at that thought, she sighs, turning a confused glance over to Tifa and noting, carefully quietly. "You're the one who has the full say on that sort of thing..." For Dirah might not often respect her commanding officer, thinking of her as a silly little sister most of the time instead, but.. Even Dirah realizes when a subject is sensitive enough to pass on to someone else.
Tifa sighs, "Safe passage across the Kislevi-Aveh border?" come on...this isn't happening. Well, they're just nomads, why would they be able to do that? She closes her eyes, "I don't think we could. We're only nomads, Sargeant. What is it you would need us to do over there?" there, good save. Still...she wonders just how many people know just how much about them. They certainly never revealed their affiliation or much else to the pirates...
Kale sighs. "I was hoping that you'd be able to slip past the border...it's been known to happen. Ah, well." Kale shakes his head forlornly. "I suppose you wouldn't have the information I need, then." Kale shrugs,and streaches.
Is that all Kale meant? To ask them to use some special nomadic gifts to sneak someone over the border? Well, perhaps, perhaps not. Either way, its best for that subject to be brushed aside as promptly as possible. Quite relieved at the dropping of that subject, but hopefully not looking it, Dirah nods mildly at Kale, and grants a most sympathizing tone. And its halfway honest, that. Its really a pity they can't expose themselves to help in that way. But no one here is anxious to tell a Gebler officer that they're Kislev now, are they? "I'm afraid not, seargent... But if there is anything we can help with, I'm sure we'd be glad to, in excuse for this favor." Right, tidy that up neatly and easily before anyone blinks twice.
Dirah pretty much said it, Tifa nods slowly at Kale once she finishes, "Yes, we'd be glad to do you any other favor...since we're incapable of helping you with that," her tone is sympathetic as well.
Kale sighs. "I'm not sure I have anything at this time...but I'll help you." Kale smiles wryly. "How many people need to be 'Geblerized.'
"How wonderful! This is all so very honestly kind of you, seargent." Yes, distract from one comment and leap off to the next. And throw in a compliment so that no one really cares that you did. Even though.. he seems oddly happy to help them anyway, despite what he may have or may have not heard. Odd. But not odd enough for Dirah to ponder. "Hm, I think its just the two of us. Isn't it?" She blinks over at Tifa for a moment for confirmation, "Right? I don't think anyone else wants to actually participate, and no one has to be Gebler to watch, I don't think." Because, of course, -everyone- on the Dark Ygg will want to watch this, wont they? To hear Dirah's angelic voice! Or, er, well, more likely to make sure Tifa stays okay, but Dirah can be delusional if she wishes.
Tifa places her hands together, "Oh, thank you~!" she's so happy right now, she'd be willing to hug the dragon man. "We're going to sing in the music competition, this will be so fun!" perhaps she's...overreacting a bit on this, but she was excited to start with. Better tie her down before she starts bouncing off the walls.
Kale reaches into a large canvas bag, and pulls out a sheaf of papers. "Here. Fill these out with whatever inforamation you want, and I'll validate them. Then, all you'll have to do is enter."
Karen stands at the doorway of the tavern and glances around shortly, having been here recently...though that was for 'business'. This time however, she walks into the tavern in a lighter mood than previously...who would have thought anyone would think this a good place to visit? For Karen, it was just another town...another unique flavor to try in her travels. And though Dazil may not be a grand city, it was a start in her search. Sing in a music competition? That was what she had barely overheard near the door where she stood...which clicks in her brain. Someone had mentioned some sort of music competition to her before, though her own vocal talents aren't very good in her own opinion. Infact some of the Sisters in Nisan used to teasingly accuse her of lip singing theit infamous chant. Well, regardless...she takes a seat in at a table in the corner, once more shunning larger crowds.
Rani comes downstairs, looking to be in quite a daze. "... Water... swallowing." The bartender sighs, looking at the girl. "Miss Rani, you need to stay upstairs. You're in no condition to be wandering around right now... Please." Rani looks at the bartender, seeming to strain herself as she pronounces some words more slowly, as if she conciously was trying to be... normal. "... Is there singing? A singing... contest. Can I enter, sir? I like singing."
"Thanks so much, then!" Ahh, people coming in now? Well, then its time to stop loudly chiming thanks. No need to rouse any suspicion when they've come this far, then? Taking her offered application, she first.. Glances over it thoroughly. Ah, so much information to list.. This is going to be quite the exercise in creative writing. How fun! And Dirah blinks up mildly at the comments granted by the rather ill looking woman stumbling down the stairs. And yet, although she does grant a frown to the image, Dirah does murmer, "Comptetition? Ah, well, we've still got this nailed." Ah, but back to the important thing--The application. Place of birth. Snicker. Dirah's going to have -fun- filling this thing out.
Tifa takes the application, peering at it for a second. Let's see...what kind of identity can she forge from this. She wonders how this is going to be. What will singing in front of an audience be like. It's so exciting! Calm down, calm down. She smiles, this is like some kind of dream! Then, as some people start up, she decides to finally just calm herself and looks behind her. That voice...sounded familiar.
Rani has left.
Kale closes his bag. "Well, I'm glad I could help." He is. Despite what Sigurd said, he has no evidence that they're anything but nice, wholesome, polite girls. Really.
Nice, wholesome, polite girls? Ha! Er, well, all right. They are nice, and they are polite. But wholesome.. Can international spies be wholesome? Well, no matter. The important thing is that they really don't mean any harm whatsoever in this competition.. And they're actually going to get in at this rate! Unlike Tifa, Dirah's used to singing in front of crowds, and yet.. She's just about as giddy. Ah, to be able to sing again, and just -relax- for a change! And take a shot at winning a prize while she's at it! Its enough to beam before she glances up and notes mildly to Tifa, "People.. Have we been here that long? Maybe we should hurry this up a little bit.. Unless you remembered to tell Cer where we were?"