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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 19, 2008 16:11:10 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 19, 2008 16:11:10 GMT -5
Lia had managed to stop herself from grimacing as she noticed the twi'lek grab hold of Cuir's arm, and reminded herself that this was their 'job' to get attention, but when Cuir went over and started talking to her in her native tongue, Italia felt herself grow just a little hot in the face. Looking away, she managed to keep her cool as she adjusted the armor on her wrists. Barely hearing Cuir's voice over the noise of the crowd, she blinked at him as he walked away once again and started talking to the toydarian that must have been the slave seller. Grunting, she found a wall and leaned against it, ignoring the twi'lek men who reached out from their bars beside where she was leaning.
Honestly, this place was disgusting, and Cuir's actions weren't helping her mood any. As the blue woman was let out of her prison, she immediately clung to Cuir's arm as if she might be thrown into the cell once more. As they reached her once more, Lia stood up once more and started walking, remaining silent as they did so. She was seething on the inside, but she refused to take it out on anyone, least of all the slave...or former slave as the case may have been.
It's your lead Cuir.
She stated coolly, only looking over at him from the corner of her eye.
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Halcyon
Village Elder
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I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
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last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
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Nov 19, 2008 22:46:35 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 19, 2008 22:46:35 GMT -5
Cuir swapped over to the Mando tongue so that their new associate would be unable to understand them, "Jealousy doesn't suit you, cyar'ika."
She was angry, he could tell by the way she stood and her change in tone. If she was one of those jealous overpossessive types, Cuir was gonna call her on it. He had made her angry. None of his emotions came to his face though, unlike Italia who had just gone ice-cold.
Cuir's tone didn't change at all as he continued in Mando'a, "You've trusted me this far, don't start doubting me now. We needed a guide and that's what we got her for. After this is over we can send on her way, on some planet where she can enjoy her freedom."
He looked down at the blue Twi'lek and switched back to Basic, "I'm Cuir, and this is Italia. What's your name?"
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 19, 2008 23:02:47 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 19, 2008 23:02:47 GMT -5
Italia paused in her walk long enough to discern what he said over the noisy crowd that surrounded them, but even so, it was difficult to make out...however...it seemed that there had been a miscommunication along the way somewhere. Tilting her head to the side, she furrowed her eyebrows in complete confusion. Had she missed something before?
If that was the case, why didn't you say so earlier?
She retorted, half of her still upset, the other half just plain confused. The twi'lek looked just as confused as Lia felt and there was an awkward pause before the blue woman spoke.
I'm Neera Solina...
The twi'lek stated quietly, so that only Cuir could actually hear. Lia strained to hear what was said over the crowd, but sighed in frustration when she found she couldn't. Right about now, she was wishing she had Cuir's hearing abilities.
I can't hear a dratted thing ner ka'rta...please remember I don't have your hearing.
She stated, cooling her temper a bit. Jealous, perhaps she was, but controlling...no. If anything, she detested being controlled so why should she do so to others?
Beside, it isn't a matter of trust, Cuir....it's a matter of not knowing. If I know, at least I can prepare myself...if I don't know...well, I'm not fond of surprises. Especially not female ones...no offense to her.
Italia wanted to tell him just why she had over reacted, but her pride yet again got in the way...she wasn't about to tell him that she felt threatened by someone who was obviously more attractive than her...but to Italia...that was almost every other woman in the galaxy. This would obviously take some getting used to. She'd never felt attached enough to a man that she worried about where their eyes might wander. Sighing, she looked over to the twi'lek and offered a small smile, to which she got none.
Honestly, she hadn't expected one the way she'd been acting. Shrugging it off, she felt herself blush slightly for acting so childish. The twi'lek...Lia still didn't know her name due to the roar of the crowd around them...stepped closer to Cuir, uncertain about how to react to the mando woman.
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Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
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I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
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last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
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Nov 19, 2008 23:47:31 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 19, 2008 23:47:31 GMT -5
Cuir sighed as it was obvious she could barely hear him. Of course being able to distinguish every word of every single conversation within a 10 meter radius wasn't always the greatest thing in the world either.
"I did say so, cyar'ika, right before I talked to the slavemaster."
Well judging by how much closer Neera gotten to him, it seemd that so far all Italia had done was scare the crap out of her. Well it would only have to be temporary. All he had to do was keep Lia from killing her until the mission was over and he could say he'd done a good dead for once.
"Neera, we need to find out anything you know about a Besalisk that might be around here. He's got a moon tattoo on his arm, can't miss it. Seen him?"
She nodded her head, "Yes he was in the marketplace the other week when he "rented" one of my cellmates. I haven't seen either of them since. But I know of a cantina he frequents. It's on the other side of the district. I've also heard stories of a slaving ring that a Besalisk of that description is apparently involved in. There's stories of a base on the outskirts of one of the Weequay colonies."
He looked over at Lia and reached out grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer to him so she could hear them, "Best lead we've gotten so far. What do you think?"
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Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Nov 20, 2008 4:57:20 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Nov 20, 2008 4:57:20 GMT -5
Well, thankfully, he kept his comlink on...he heard her query...though it was a little more difficult to extricate himself from under the console. He finally managed to pull himself up, grabbing the comm and speaking into it.
"I've got a fair hand in it...give me a sec, I need to reconfigure the console a bit...been working on the sensor array, like I promised."
He ducked back under the console again, rerouting the power so that his mid-work adjustments weren't going to affect the data terminal. Finally satisfied, he pulled himself into a seat and began to work.
"Okay...trying to break through the firewall now...going to take a few minutes."
His eyes narrowed as he looked at the code on the screen. He pulled out his datapad and connected up to the terminal.
"Five minutes...I'm running an algorithm to break through the encryption. What do you need me to look for once I'm through?"
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 20, 2008 14:15:10 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 20, 2008 14:15:10 GMT -5
Lia pulled out her com and held it closer to her ear than she normally would have to...grumbling about stupid crowds. As she listened, she smiled slightly and chuckled.
Well, now we're looking to see if the little git is smuggling out twi'lek slaves, or if he's taken a flight to one of the weequay colonies. Our...tour guide...seems to think he might be in one of them trying to get into the slave trade around here.
Think you can find out for us?
She asked, tilting her head to the side slightly in question as if he could see her. Obviously she knew he couldn't, but it was habit after all, and so she didn't really think about it. Turning to Cuir and their twi'lek guide, she sighed slightly.
Seems like we might get some answers as to if he's there or not, but for now, let's head in that direction...lead the way.
She said, motioning for the two of them to lead, since it seemed the twi'lek was now frightened enough of her to try and attach herself to Cuir's arm. Rolling her eyes in a somewhat sarcastic manner, Lia followed.
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Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Nov 20, 2008 14:49:23 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Nov 20, 2008 14:49:23 GMT -5
Daryn let his fingers fly over the keys...adding in strings of code on the fly even while the program did it's work. He was good with numbers and math. Code, after a while, started to show patterns. If you could read the patterns, you could get an idea of what you were dealing with. What he was doing now was singling out recognizable patterns and throwing in command prompts to decode them.
The system wasn't bad...actually more than he expected from an Outer Rim backwater berth like this...but his slicer protocols came from the Core....it didn't stand a chance. It wasn't very long before he was into the Customs database.
"Okay...I'm in. Scanning through files for anything matching our target. Their mainframe is ancient...so give me a sec. Data retrieval isn't going to be hyperspeed..."
He trailed off, watching the screen, finally it locked onto something.
"Okay...looks like we've got a match. Nothing big...but there is a speeder rental here. One four-armed humanoid. Whoever input this can't spell Basic to save their life...but it's probably 'Besalisk". Says here the intended destination is some colony. Weequay."
Leaning back a bit, he started to work on some of the other systems. He keyed up into the port security system, tying in their cameras to the display so he had a better view of their docking berth and the area around it.
"Who is your tour guide anyway?"
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 20, 2008 14:56:43 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 20, 2008 14:56:43 GMT -5
Italia nodded slightly as she listened to his answer. Finally a lead of some kind! Unfortunately, it didn't tell them which direction the colony was in, but....well, maybe he could dig that up as well.
Great..now can you tell us which direction? There's like...five around here...if it helps any, he stopped in the red light district to 'rent' a twi'lek, so that narrows it down to two directions...north or east, since the platforms are on the south and it doesn't let out to the west.
At his last question, she smirked slightly and got a wily look on her face.
I'll have to introduce you to her when we get back....she's a catch.
Lia tried hard not to giggle at the thought of introducing Neera to Daryn. No doubt if the girl didn't like her now, she would like her even less later.
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Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Nov 20, 2008 15:20:44 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Nov 20, 2008 15:20:44 GMT -5
"Her? Did you rent one too? I should have known... it's the only possible explanation for you not returning my affections!"
His tone was lightly facetious, easily recognizable as jest before it got just a lil more serious.
"Or did you get her for me? Such a wonderful present...I wasn't going to suggest we have an open relationship...but if you insist..."
He burst into more laughter as he said those words....and he would have said more, but he'd come up with something. Apparently, customs kept track of transponder codes for their speeders. Not very trusting?
"Oh, and I can do you one better. Seems they're a little paranoid about people taking off with the speeders. They've installed transponder systems in each one...check your datapad, I'm uploading the signature to it now...you'll be able to track the speeder with it."
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 20, 2008 15:34:19 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 20, 2008 15:34:19 GMT -5
Lia laughed lightly at his joke and shook her head. Good lord he was a trouble maker! It was funny sometimes though, so she didn't really mind.
Not at all, we got her for you dear....of course, she's free now, so it doesn't mean she'd STAY with you.
Italia bit her lip slightly to keep from laughing, when he spoke again, this time more serious. Pulling out her data pad, she nearly jumped for joy. Sure enough, the tracking signal was strong, and better yet, stationary!
Sometimes, I could just kiss you. I think you've made my day Daryn. Hopefully we'll see you in the hour!
She stated happily, beaming over at Cuir. Finally...FINALLY....something to go on!
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Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
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Nov 20, 2008 15:40:30 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Nov 20, 2008 15:40:30 GMT -5
Grinning, he leaned back once more, knitting his hands behind his head as he looked down at the console once more.
"I assure you, Italia...getting them to stay is not the problem... it's figuring out how to get them to LEAVE the next morning that truly vexes me, m'dear. Tell you what, we get done with this, I might just take you up on the offer of that kiss and see if I can't make your night too!"
He paused for a second, just for effect, and then spoke once more.
"Of course...we'll have to fight it in with the scheduling for....what was her name?"
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 20, 2008 16:00:23 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 20, 2008 16:00:23 GMT -5
Lia struggled not to laugh at his antics, but won...barely.
Hmm...I think I'll pass fly-boy. Though to be honest, I'm not entirely sure what her name is, it's louder that a stampede of banthas here. Though I think her first name is Neera. She seems nice enough...though I think I scared the bejabbers out of her...
Italia looked apologetically at the other two and sighed slightly, shaking her head. She really did feel bad for jumping to conclusions, but....no, there were no buts, it was just wrong of her to do that.
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Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
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last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
Master
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Nov 20, 2008 16:10:49 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Nov 20, 2008 16:10:49 GMT -5
"What? She getting fresh with your bleach-blonde bit of mando-candy over there? Poor git wouldn't even know what to do with the lass. Neera, you say? Well, tell you what...I know you are madly in love with me...and understandably so...but I just don't think it would work out between us. I'll take one for the team and selflessly throw myself upon this Twi'lek sword. Wouldn't want her getting away with bright eyes, after all...that would be such a loss."
He drawled out the last, letting the sarcasm drip from his voice, mingled with an undercurrent of amusement and teasing.
[color=white ]"If you've got anything else, let me know...else, it's back to the Sensory Array for me."
[/color]
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 20, 2008 16:24:53 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 20, 2008 16:24:53 GMT -5
Italia's mouth dropped open at his statement and she blinked several times, not knowing whether she wanted to laugh or give him a piece of her mind. Completely speechless, Lia shook her head and tried not to laugh. It just was so ridiculous it was funny, but at the same time, it was so stupid it wasn't. It was then she'd remembered a man she'd met while working with her mentor's crew...he had acted almost exactly like Daryn was acting now.
Alright Captain Sparrow...you do that. You "take one for the team"....and, no...I'll let you know if there's anything else.
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Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
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I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
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last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
Padawan
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Nov 23, 2008 0:32:51 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 23, 2008 0:32:51 GMT -5
Cuir nodded in agreement with Daryn's comment. Hopefully space wouldn't lay it on too thick. That would deal with the Twi'lek woman who was now attached to his arm. Of course he gritted his teeth barely noticeably as he continued hitting on Italia. Cuir might've been made of stone, but with enough pressure anything could crack. But fortunately this blue-skinned humanoid would be enough to distract him and the good news was she hopefully had been unable to hear any part of Daryn's comments. Those alone would've been enough to scare her away.
Cuir shrugged and reached into his bandolier under his robe and handed Neera a long and wickedly sharp vibroblade, and the sheath that went with it so she could hook it around her waist. He pointed to the hilt of the blade, "Push this button to turn it on if you need it. Otherwise head back to the ship and you'll be safe. Docking Bay 42. An obnoxious spacer with a Coruscanti accent'll be there. He'll keep you safe until we return."
Neera looked at him and then at the knife, before strapping it around her waist, and with one look back at Italia and Cuir headed off in the direction of the spaceport.
Cuir sighed, waiting for the inevitable confrontation that was too come since he wasn't exactly too sure how angry Lia was actually going to be, "Alright we ready to go?"
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 23, 2008 18:56:33 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 23, 2008 18:56:33 GMT -5
Italia had waited patiently as Cuir explained the vibroblade to Neera, leaning once again on the wall of a near by building. As he asked if she was ready to go, she nodded and smiled slightly. True, she wasn't exactly happy to have the twi'lek tagging along, but at the same time, she didn't exactly mind, they were helping free her after all. Heading off in the direction that her datapad was signaling, she moved easily through the crowd. True, she might not have been able to hear well with all the noise, but she could certainly move easily through such crowded situations.
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Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
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I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
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last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
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Nov 23, 2008 19:39:50 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 23, 2008 19:39:50 GMT -5
Cuir watched as Italia walked away following the directions on her datapad, wholly expecting a fight and incredibly surprised as she walked away. Now he wasn't sure if he was in trouble or not. Now he had no idea what he was suppose to do, so instead he just shrugged and followed her through the crowd. He had little idea what they were actually looking for, after all finding the colony was one thing, finding a person inside said colony was another entirely.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 23, 2008 20:07:01 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 23, 2008 20:07:01 GMT -5
As they reached the outer edge of the city, Italia paused at the gate, speaking to one of the guards. Flirting to get her way was typically easy for her, but today it seemed different, more difficult. The guard at the gate eyed her warily as he walked up to confront her. In all circumstances he wouldn't have been bad looking, except he was a Cerean. Tall heads just weren't her thing.
Hello...what is a pretty lady like you doing, wanting to go out of the city? Hmm?
She smiled easily and batted her eyelashes slightly.
I'm hardly pretty, sir. Either way, I was hoping to go to the Weequay colony...I wanted to visit a friend out there.
Lia stated, keeping her voice soft, as if she were really just some ordinary, if not slightly timid, woman. The guard looked at her and put a hand on her shoulder, his eyes moving over the length of her. She smiled and forced a blush to her face.
Aren't you going to get lost out there though? Surely it would be safer to stay here with me? Besides, we aren't supposed to let people through this gate who don't have a passport. Do you have one?
Italia shook her head slightly, and giggled.
No...I've been there before once....beside, I hired a bodyguard to come along with me just in case.
As for my passport....
She rummaged around in her cloak a bit then put a surprised look.
Oh no! I can't believe this!! I...I must have lost it in town somewhere!
Looking sad, she lowered her eyes to the ground.
Oh now...don't give that look miss....*sigh*....I suppose I can let you through this once...
Oh, can you really?! Are you sure? I...I don't want to be any trouble....
She said moving just a bit closer to the guard and blinking up at him with teary eyes. He smiled slightly and nodded.
Yes, I'm sure....go on now...just be sure to come back safely, hmm?
Oh thank you so much!
She shouted excitedly, and kissed him on the cheek, causing the guard to blush slightly. Waving for his partner to open the gate, Italia waved to Cuir to follow, and she almost skipped out of the gate.
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Halcyon
Village Elder
287 posts
0 likes
I'm the best at what I do, and what I do ain't pretty.
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last online Aug 29, 2013 14:00:25 GMT -5
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Nov 23, 2008 20:25:42 GMT -5
Post by Halcyon on Nov 23, 2008 20:25:42 GMT -5
Cuir blinked several times in silent astonishment as she talked her way through the gates, genuinely acting the part of the of the shy, timid, defenseless woman. Cuir was a firm believer in discretion over valor, when it was possible. He wouldn't have been able to pull that trick with the guard, unless he was a little bi-curious, not that it was all that rare for Cuir to have a few men proposition him, but he wasn't the kinda person who usually charmed his way through gates. Either he'd have had to sneak in over a wall, which had it's own trials, or fight his way through like he had during that last bounty on Tatooine.
Besides, how discrete could one be carrying a giant sword anyway?
He passed glances at the guard who let them in. He was easily several handspans taller and more physically imposing than Cuir himself. The guard obviously didn't think much of Cuir as a bodyguard. Not that it mattered, the Mando was more than certain he could've juggled the Cerean and his partner over his head if he really wanted too.
He eyed Lia over for a second, then with his customary shrug continued following her. He spoke his tone not betraying anything despite his being impressed, "Not gonna lie, that's a pretty handy trick. Never took you for the kind of person who'd use their feminine wiles to get what you want."
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 23, 2008 20:35:03 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 23, 2008 20:35:03 GMT -5
Once the gate had closed securely behind them, she turned to him and winked slightly.
I typically don't, but....it helps every once in a while. Besides, I had to get you and that ginormous sword of yours through that gate somehow....after all, I didn't feel like scaling walls today.
She stated, waiting for him to come up beside her. Smiling, she batted her eyelashes up at him coyly.
Why? Don't you like it when I get my way?
She said innocently. Lia was teasing him, obviously, but none the less, she almost felt he deserved watching her flirt with that guard for his little buying spree earlier. Turning and giving him a cheeky grin, she sauntered off once more, giggling slightly at her little joke.
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