Scene #3558: Explainations Owed

Owner	Pose
Yari Takane	Yari looks good for a woman who got stabbed repeatedly and poisoned multiple times not a day or two ago. Unlike her usual attire, she's dressed down in a tank top and khakis, likely oweing to the many bandages covering her stomach. Her veins aren't green any longer, and though she looks tired and worried, at least she's alive. The ninja has rented out a side-room of the village's tavern for the little meeting, a keg of beer and a few bottles of booze ready for those coming. At least she knows how to treat those who care! She's idly downing a mug while she waits for people to arrive, a foot kicked up on a stool. It's the one that got stabbed during the fight. The ninja is rather silent as she awaits people to show up, a small frown on her face.
Merlin	There's a sudden fluttering of wings at the window, fortunately which happens to be open. Whether or not Yari closed it earlier, it happens to be open now; probably the result of the old, pre-industrial construction. A raven passes through, circling the room a moment before alighting in the beams that make up the ceiling of the room. Surprisingly it's quite out of the way, and doesn't caw or anything - and the raven would probably be quite put out if someone were to chase it with a broom. Maybe it knows Yari's not feeling well, and it's just ducking the oncoming cold for a bit.
Mantigora	It wasn't the first time someone had come after Yari for nefarious reasons, but this time Mantigora had been away dealing with affairs on Nexus. It annoyed the bloody hell out of her that she couldn't be there. Yes Yari is certainly capable of handling herself, but the ninja was the closest thing Mantigora had to a sister really, and Draken don't let people into their inner circles lightly. Not that any of it shows as she keeps her usual impassive 'professional' expression was she walks in. "Somehow not surprised this isn't keeping you down for long, Yari." Well mostly professional. It was personal rather than business, so she's at least going on first name basis here.
Sanary Rondel	Like Yari, Sanary's got a somewhat serious look on her face as she stands guard for the Au Ra. She hasn't touched any of the bottles, making sure to stay sober while her eye scans anyone coming anywhere close to the entrance of the side-room. As relaxed as she was earlier in the day, she's looking ready to set someone on fire if they so much as move the wrong way. Mental note: Try fire when she gets back home. "Looks clear so far... Notice anything weird in the drinks?" She can't be too careful, after all, and the cleric even keeps one hand on the bell at her waist as one of the barmaids passes by! Spotting Mantigora coming in, she offers the Draken a nod and small grin in greeting.
Inga Freyjasdottir	Inga had heard something had happened to Yari, practically in her backyard (if her back yards was miles anyway). As Yari had always been respectful and kind to Inga, Inga would like to know what was going on and if she could help the woman. She enters the tavern and exchanges pleasantries with a few people, stopping to deliver a small bag of herbs to one of the men at the bar, before she meanders over to the room where Yari is waiting. "Good eve Yari...before anything else, do your wounds need seeing to? Tsk, you should have called for me," she informs her, beginning to remove her cloak and toss it over a chair.
Princess Peach	Peach and Yari may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but the princess is certainly the forgiving sort and she's mostly found the times they've met lately to be nice and enjoyable. Even so, she's a bit surprised at the invitation to join her for drinks after having been attacked. Still, Peach certainly wasn't going to turn it down, and so it's not long before she comes walking up toward the tavern, hard to miss wearing a simple but no less pink dress, and her crown glittering in the sunlight. Toad of course is faithfully at her side, and the pair enter and Peach offers Yari a friendly wave. "Hello. How are you feeling?"
Archer	The absence of Archer the day of Yari's attack was, in all actuality, rather foolish in the bowman's opinion; half was a debriefing report to the Association for Master and Servant to keep their world apprised of relevant events... and possible threats. An additional side-reason was that the Tohsaka heiress had actually been making the preparations to visit her own family when Christmas actually came. And as a result of the Association being too paranoid to simply leave Archer behind while Rin made the report, both were sadly not present when Yari Takane's life was in danger... though it was of admittedly little consequence to the bowman, seeing as how the woman in question was both an assassin and a Confederate, Dun Realtai resident or not. He bore her no ill will, but he saw no overt reason to be concerned for her life, either. The security issue it presented to Dun Realtai and to his Master was another matter... and not just from whoever had attacked Yari. Lead by his Master - whom seemed far more willing to offer sympathy for Yari's circumstances - Archer takes particular note of the Confederate personal, including Mantigora and the recently-promoted Sanary Rondel, who he regards impassively for a moment. He intends to keep his guard up... from outside threats as well as inside. The red-clad magus in front of Archer was more expressive though, a nod and glance to those present being Tohsaka Rin's greeting as she took note of Yari's injuries... and cast a curious half-annoyed glance at the crow in the rafters, as if something about it simply made her want to shoo it away. And of course, the reason for Rin's presence soon makes itself known as Archer comments with his usual cynicism to Sanary - "In all honesty, it wouldn't be her that they pursue now that we're all on guard. If they're capable assassins - and they are if they could get into Dun Realtai - then they'll attack through more indirect means." He crosses his arms as he leans against the wall, glancing over at the injured Au Ra. "I certainly hope you at least had the sense to ensure your daughter was taken somewhere safe-" "She's fine" Rin curtly interjects before Archer can characteristically pour salt onto open wounds, shooting a rather loaded glare at her Servant. "A bit shaken, but otherwise she's fine from what I know. That answer your question?" Regarding Rin's glare for a moment, Archer closes his eyes and shrugs - "Aside from why anyone with her background would be so unfair to a child as to raise them while the target of assassination? Then no, nothing else." Rin looks like she wants to so very sorely berate Archer, but she takes a deep breath and forces herself to stay calm, deciding that -multi-faction relations notwithstanding - now was not the time for this, regardless of whether or not Archer agreed. Though Archer kept his gaze trained on Yari as if still waiting for her answer, unspoken or otherwise. Rin herself, after expelling her tension in a quick breath, gives a more sympathetic look to Yari. "Do you have anything you need help with? Living arrangements or repairs? From what I saw, the damages were... extensive to say the least."
Dorian Pavus	Difficult to find? Perhaps. But Dorian has his ways. Hopefully he would be allowed in. If not, he may be arguing with a guard for a while. He had no intentions of making trouble here. The place just looked familiar, that's all. Not 'familiar' as in he knew the place. But 'familiar' as in, it resembled his world, somewhat. So yes, he's having a rather strong sense of deja-vu as he walks through the village. And through some twist of fate-- she is a fickle b... MISTRESS, isn't she?-- Dorian happens to notice a side room in the tavern gathering people. He hopes to find a secret gambling room or some sort, and picks up the ale he'd just ordered and strides in as if he's supposed to be there. What he finds is not gambling, but a familiar face. A few familiar faces, actually. This brings a smile. "Well, well~! Fancy finding you here." He's mainly talking about those of the gathered group that he knows (who will of course know who they are). "Greetings to you all. Whether I know you or not." He bows politely.
Yari Takane	Siiip. The little raven gets noticed, but Yari doesn't shoo it out. Rather, she breaks up some bread, and lays it on a table near the window! How thoughtful! Mantigora's appearance has Yari smiling. It's odd for the ninja to be completely open, but she's clearly forcing herself. After all, she owes the people of this village and those that are close to her answers. Plus, she's just too tired to be overly formal right now. "Nnn. I still feel weak. I want to be back out in the field, but my physician..." A turn to Sanary, and a wink. "Demands I recooperate before going on real missions. Glad to see you, Hornsis." Stand! Hornbonk! Speaking of, she turns to the very watchful Sanary. What did she do to ever earn such a wonderful axe-cleric in her life? "No poisons, though I think I need to educate the barkeep in his choice of wine." She doesn't tell the woman to relax. Indeed, Yari is looking more paranoid than usual today. Inga gets a sharp salute. "Miss Freysdottir! Medical and Sanary have kept me alive, but another look wouldn't hurt." No, this isn't the time to act tough. She lets Inga do her work, and even magic-scan her if necessary: a healing rib that had been stabbed clean into, multiple stab wounds in the chest and leg from small piercing objects. Hard wounds, but they're professionally treated and healing up good. That poison, even with an antidote is lingering. It's a nasty paralytic that works on slowing the limbs and blurring eyesight. Yari knows it well, it's her Master's and by extension her own signature poison. Inga might be able to help purge the last bits of it in her blood. Peach gets a smile as well. "Princess Peach, welcome. Recovering well enough. My opponents knew what they were doing. I hope your own affairs have been less troubling." A bar wench gets the toad a beer and the princess some wine! And then /Archer/. Yari looks over, scowls, and really, really wants to throw her mug at the man. But before Yari decides to just throw something at the man, Rin steps in. Her gaze softens at the Magus, but then it's back to Archer. "Thank you, Miss Tohsaka. But as rude as this man is, I'll answer. Because if I didn't, then that girl wouldn't have anyone. Her parents are dead, and I can provide for her. It's true, I should've given more thought to security here. I let my guard down, and endangered my child. But I'm less of a fool now. And the reason someone like me raises her is so that she doesn't follow in my footsteps. She'll become someone proud and strong, to walk in light rather than clinging to shadows. Satisfied, Archer?" And then she finally flicks her mug so that Archer will hopefully get a facefull of beer. "Now sit down and shut up. Get a drink or something, I'm tired of hearing your voice already." She adds, uncharacteristically vindictive. Archer sure can bring out the worst in people. Sigh. A smile to Rin. "I'll be fine. Linh is at Sanary's home for now, and I'll be working on the damage to my room once I'm recovered. I won't leave something that's my fault in disrepair. Though if you want to grab a hammer and some pliers, we can probably at least get the kunai out of the ceiling." A small little smile here. It's Dorian! "Well, definitely a surprise. Mister Pavus, welcome. Sit down, please." Ahem. She clears her throat.
Yari Takane	"Alright, settle in everyone, please. Some of you know my background, some of you don't. My name is Yari Takane, Centurion of the Empire under Lord Legatus Gaius van Balesar, current ensign of Confederate Special Forces. I grew up in Doma, the homeland of the Au'Ra. We were conquered by the Empire long ago, and my people added to its strength. I was an orphan, and my mother, a soldier for the Empire rescued me. I grew up in military camps as a scout. Eventually, she saw promise in me as a potential spy and assassin, and sent me to Master Sasori, one of the few old ninja masters. Myself, and four other students trained under him. Poisons, stealth, martial arts, aetheric techniques...he trained us all well. But ninja clans are very insular and secretive. The others didn't know I was a soldier at the time, they must have researched me after I left. Long story short, Master was old. During my final test, after all the others had graduated and left, we had a duel. I won, if barely, but in the end it cost Master his life." A sigh. She takes a long pull of her drink. "After he passed, I returned to service. I tried to keep tabs on the others, and I thought they all died. Obviously not. The ones we fought last night were Chiyo and Tsuki. Chiyo is in custody right now, and Tsuki is wounded, but free. We've tried interrogating Chiyo, but...ninja die before giving up secrets. The other two ninja are Kyoko and Tsukiyomi. They were the eldest and strongest of our group. Master wanted to pass the full secrets of his clann to Tsuki." She then glances around the table. "They want my life for sharing secrets with the Empire, and for killing Master. They might be well within their rights to seek my life, but they endangered my child. I won't accept that. I'm going to find them, and confront them. Frankly, I want this all to end without bloodshed, but.." A shake of the head. "Join me or do not. I owe many of you far too much right now. But I cannot let this go. This is a threat to the people here, to myself, and to my daughter. Come with me only if you're resolved."
Merlin	The raven pays extra attention to Rin, who can't keep her eyes off it. Apparently it can't keep its eyes off her, but well...with legs and a skirt like that, really, can you blame it? Yes, it keeps an attentive eye on Archer's master, though is content to do nothing more than sit in the rooftops for now. It's totally a normal raven. When Yari breaks bread for it, there's a momentary pause - and then it hops down to get a better angle on Rin's legs er wait I mean to get at the bread. And then Yari speaks, and the bird just sort of seems to watch, pecking away at the treat it'd been given.
Mantigora	Mantigora has assumed leaning against a wall while she listens, arms folded across her chest and tail hooking in a lazy curl around her ankles. The only other movement she makes is to snag a mug off the tray of a passing waitress. Deep backstories are best approached with a strong drink to deal with how long the reaccount can take. Which it certainly turns out to be. "Times change. War makes them change even moreso." She pauses briefly for another sip. "Their anger may not be misplaced... but if they are foolish enough to draw children into their bitterness to get to you, no depth of blood feud is justification for it."
Inga Freyjasdottir	Inga nods to Archer and Rin as they approach as well, then turning to see Dorian. "Ah, good evening Dorian," she greets pleasantly. Apparently there's no hard feelings for her getting him arrested. Its a good way to start a friendship, yes? Inga, given the go-ahead from Yari, moves over to give her a quick look over. She looks to Sanary, nodding. "Well done on patching her up...I think there might be something I can do about the poison, but that can wait a bit. It's not something I can do while you're engaged with company," she informs Yari, motioning for her to continue before moving to take a seat. Inga looks toward the raven then, tilting her head curiously...she purses her lips, then follows the raven's gaze to Rin. She then looks back to the bird, and frown. She didn't know a bird could leer. But he's most certainly leering. Inga sighs, shaking her head. She has some idea who that could be. Inga listens to Yari's story, thoughtful. Ninja clans and the way of assassins is completely unfamiliar to her. Strange, but...well, there must have been need for it. Inga taps her fingers against her wooden staff. "If my skills could be of any use to Yari, I volunteer them. To protect the little one," she offers.
Sanary Rondel	New faces! Sanary gives Inga a curious look as she arrives, then an approving nod once she shows concern for Yari and isn't immediately beset with hidden weapons from Yari. "Heh... Thanks. Still need to figure out a more... Magic-based method of poison-fixing, but I'll figure it out sooner or later." Or cheating. Familiar faces! Peach gets an easy pass from Sanary, although she does look a little surprised that the Princess is here in the first place. Just when did those two meet? Mantigora, too, gets an easy pass and grin as a co-worker. Rin seemed pleasant enough in their past meetings despite being stuck with Archer, and Archer.... She's got half a mind to try and just drag him out right there, but she keeps her temper in check long enough for Yari to keep herself from doing anything drastic. The beer flick certainly helps, drawing a snicker from the cleric. Even Dorian gets more leeway than him, although a great deal of it is probably due to a good first impression from earlier in the day (and that moustache). Moustaches go a long way. The bird, meanwhile, doesn't even get a second look, even if she would have to concur with it in some areas. "That explains the... Hnn. Damn. Sorry to hear that." There's still many mysteries surrounding Yari that Sanary doesn't have answers for, and she'd love to go over to the Au Ra to give her a reassuring pat on the back, but... Well, someone needs to keep an eye on anyone else coming by. "Oh. Uh. If anyone else wants to try interrogating Chiyo, she's still alive. I just gotta... Prep her first." A pause. "... And have someone watching Linh while I do that."
Princess Peach	Toad thanks the barmaid and smiles as he sips at the beer, but otherwise remains pretty quiet. Peach listens to Yari's rundown of the situation with an increasingly sympathetic look on her face before nodding in agreement after Mantigora's statement. "There is no way I can turn my back on a request for help like this. If there is anything I can do, for you or your child, I am there." Peach offers with a warm smile before taking a few sips of her wine.
Archer	Rin gives a reassuring smile to Yari at the offer, though she herself is a bit tentative - she's arguably not as good at handiwork as Archer... though given the Bowman's inclinations, it would probably be better for everyone if she did. She also gives a nod in greeting to the familiar face of Dorian - "Likewise." However... the magus seems somewhat discontent with the Raven - was that bird staring at her? Or rather... was it looking at her legs? She suspected it might be a familiar, given what she could tell of it, but if some peeping tom was trying to oggle her. In fact, just to test, she shifted positions in her seat so that her legs were facing away from it a bit more. And if it followed after her, she swore internally that she'd fire a Gandr at it. But... other issues arise quickly. As he listens to Yari's explanation... Archer's gaze seems to sharpen a bit, his outward expression remaining impassive even as his thoughts darken. It was all too similar. A story he knew far too well - a child orphaned, alone, offered salvation by a person who really had no way to give it and perhaps no longer had the right to... and following the path that they themselves didn't want that child to follow. And so the bowman replies with to the story with the ending he lived and died seeing - "Children often want nothing more then to be their parents. Oftentimes they do, regardless of whether or not it's what they wanted." He closes his eyes and actually gives an undeservedly-cynical smirk - as if all but advertising his belief that he knows better then her on this. "If her past is filled with shadows, they will cling to her regardless. If you wanted her to be free of that, you had no right taking her on. Acting like you can stop a child from taking after their parent - especially after your attack - is foolhardy... though it's even more so if the parent is raising them as a way to repent for their own sins and failures." And then... he is abruptly soaked in alcohol. He doesn't even try to dodge the spray of liquid, though his smile falls. Beer dripping off his face, he simply opens one eye and glances at Yari, actually looking unimpressed - "I hope you at least taught your child manners. If nothing else, she'd be different from you in /that/ regard." And rather quickly, Rin reaches her tolerance level, abruptly standing up fast enough to make the floor rattle with the force of her boots impacting it, the glare on her face powerful enough to pierce steel... though she masks it with an almost sickeningly-polite tone of voice. "Archer... don't you think you ought to keep lookout? You're a Servant - surely you'd be capable of spotting and dealing with danger far easier if you were outside keeping vigil?" Archer glances at his Master in an outwardly-causal way... but he can hear the unspoken threat in her voice, warning him he's one wrong word away from being muzzled with a Command Spell. Thus, taking the hint, the bowman shrugs and promptly stands up, moving to the doorway to keep a lookout - still within earshot, but removed enough from Yari's presence that he can't easily offer any cynical quips. And there he stays as both he and Rin listen in to Yari's explanation, the Servant once again feeling that his argument was justified regarding Yari's parenthood, while Rin seems to sympathize more with Yari having been trained as a soldier of war. And much to the bowman's silent exasperation, Rin gives a rather firm nod in spite of the woman's Confederate leanings and the chaos her 'friend' Sanary has caused as of late. "I'd be glad to help even if it wasn't a threat to the people here."
Dorian Pavus	Dorian doesn't seem to notice the raven. And no, indeed, Dorian doesn't seem to be at all upset at Inga. He's out, and there's been no trouble since then, so there's no reason to hold a grudge. He offers a warm smile and a bow to Inga. "Evening to you as well," he offers amicably. He also does indeed find a place to sit as he's bade to by Yari. And he listens to Yari's expositionary backstory. Ah, he remembers Gaius. Pity he hasn't seen the other fellow's forces in so long. There was that one... -- er, never mind. And he contributes his own two copper, too. "Here, here. A personal grudge is one thing -- I have enough of those to last me more than one lifetime. But I will /never/ involve an innocent in them. And those who do have clearly fallen far enough into the same 'ends justify the means' nonsense that I have so much issue with back home that there's no getting them out." And then, yes, Archer does stick his foot in his mouth quite epically. Dorian frowns, a perfect 'I am not amused' look. Fortunately Rin disciplines her Servant, and the Altus mage gives a sigh. "Thank you," he says, in Rin's direction. Whether Archer's correct or not, he's being rather insensitive. However, once Archer is safely out of imediate quipping range -- as Dorian couldn't guarantee one of his own wouldn't have been aimed in the Servant's direction -- Dorian focuses his attention back on Yari. He raises his tankard Yari-wards, in a salute. "Consider my foot ready to kick someone in the arse on your behalf," he offers. "I also know of several safe places I could keep your child, to try to ensure she stays further out of the range of retribution."
Merlin	Oh, it's an Inga. How marvelous, and she's alone too. Hm. It is interesting, the raven thinks, that there's so many other allies of this half-dragon girl that are already trusted. It says a lot about last night's attack victim. Meanwhile the raven turns a gimlet eye on the diminutive healer, giving an appreciative leer as well. Look. It's just paying attention to her, which gives Rin's position change so much time to be ignored that it's clearly coincidental if she happens to notice the bird looking back. Oh this Archer fellow is a /treat./ And is so very correct, the raven thinks. How will Yari take in his point? Children do not fall so far from the shade of the tree, after all - the raven's past with the current Lord of Dun Realtai's little blonde snugglebunny prove that, after all. It's going to be interesting, especially after Yari's acknowledgement of the danger to Dun Realtai. A flutter of wings, as the raven makes its way back up to the roof. Good bread. Great view. And maybe someone's wearing a low-cut shirt, the raven hopes. Having the high ground is so rewarding.
Yari Takane	Reeeach. Yari is in dire need of something to cling to, and given she has to remain professional here, the raven is picked. The bird would find Yari scooting over and absent-mindedly petting the animal's head with her tail. Scritch scritch! Mantigora is offered a smile. "I'm fine being attacked for my own actions. It's the price one pays for this kind of life, you know that. But it's as you said. Drawing in a child, and indeed the village here is too much." Inga gets a nod. "I'll see you immediately after this, Ma'am." She offers to the village healer. A pause, and then, Inga offers her assistance. "Thank you. Your healing will be necessary if this goes as badly as I think it will." No, she's not filled with hope that diplomacy will actually work this time. Sanary gets a weak smirk. "Definitely...make sure Linh isn't around. She's been traumatized enough." Sigh. "You two should definitely work together. It would enhance skill and morale, I think." Nod! Always a soldier, this one. Peach's sympathy is met with a small smile. "Thank you, Princess. Can Linh visit your home? A place of real peace could be good for her right now." And with Peach at the helm, she can feel the girl being /safe/. Archer's tale and question in turn has Yari pausing. It strikes her deep, and only after closing her eyes for a good three minutes does she manage to not simply try to strike the Servant dead. That's definitely a killing intent the entire room likely just felt though. Archer has just tread on sacred ground. That murderous look doesn't fade when they open again. "...Well. I won't say you are exactly wrong, most of the time. I certainly wanted to be like Mother, and so, I willingly chose this life. But that's the difference. Linh is special. She wants to save lives. She knows what I am doing is wrong. She wants to be someone who saves other people without killing them. Not like what I do. Fine. Think me a fool or worse. But if you spit on my daughter's name and morals again, /Servant/, you and I will have a reckoning. Understand?" And then he's quipping. Yari's already walking over, her hand raised to slap the man in the face! And then Rin saves everyone utter violence, and the Servant is gone. Yari hisses, and falls back into a seat weakly, breathing hard and clutching her chest. She might have reopened a wound there. "...Thank you, Rin. For handling him, /and/ this. I do not know how you keep your sanity with that man around. Be careful. He's more cunning than I am." Frown. Nor is Dorian forgotten as she clinks a now refilled mug. With hard liquor. She needs it, tongiht. "I'm glad we agree, Mister Parvus. Your magic will be of great assistance. Great evil can serve good means, but there are some things one shouldn't ever lower yourself to. Please. During the assault I want Linh somewhere that even should we all fail, can't be tortured out of us. I'll leave her in your hands, Sir." And then, the ninja just leans back, looking absurdly tired. Everyone in the room gets a nod and a weak smile. "I won't forget this, everyone. I will find some way to make it up to all of you, on my honor as a soldier and ninja." She salutes the group. Thunk. Back into the chair. That's blood on her bandages. Nnngh. "...Sanary, INga? Can you two help me up? I think I need your skills and rest more than I thought." She swallows the rest of her drink, and will likely have to hobble out with the help of the two healers!
Inga Freyjasdottir	Inga watches the exchange between Yari and Archer, one eyebrow slightly raised. Bit of tension there, hmm? Inga motions for Dorian to sit nearby her. She should have gotten a drink it seems. Inga looks back to the raven to find it leering at her now. She gives the bird a very knowing look. Oh, she knows who you are alright. Back to Yari..."Of course, I will also help with Lihn if needed. I know she does so love to play with the goats," she offers. Then she is called on for helping Yari, and so goes to do just that. "Very well, lets get you to somewhere comfortable," she says, bidding farewell to any who are leaving.
Mantigora	There is an audible metallic crackle as Mantigora moves her free arm just enough to safetly let her battle claws slide out of her forearm, angling just past her face. Which just makes the predatory smile she responds to Yari's with all the more sinister. Or maybe she's smiling at the way Yari responded to the Servant like that. "When it comes to deal with this matter, I will make certain my schedual is open this time."
Sanary Rondel	Sanary's certainly looking significantly more relaxed at the outpouring of support. Between the offers to keep Linh safe, to help Yari recover, and even to track down the culprits threatening them... She's actually feeling quite good about everyone here! Well, almost everyone. She grins at Yari and nods, moving over to help her with Inga. "Sure thing. We'll get you back up in no time, and... Goats? Huh. I should show her the pigs some time, then..."
Princess Peach	Peach nods to Yari's request. "Of course, she is welcome any time and is free to stay for as long as she likes, and of course I will do everything I can to make sure that no harm comes to her. Hopefully these other ninja are only after you, and wouldn't seek out Linh if she isn't with you." Peach poses with a serious tone, not wishing to have to fight anyone who gave Yari such a beating, knowing what the Au Ra is capable of.
Archer	As the animosity that was thick in the air dissipates, Rin finally sighs and lets herself sit back down, looking somewhat concernedly at Yari as the Au Ra winces, worried - no, /certain/ that Archer went too far this time. "I'm sorry for what he said. I try, but he really is a twisted jerk sometimes." Dimly, she wonders if anyone would ever suspect Archer's past... or if they would even believe it if they knew the white-haired Servant's ties to a certain red-haired idealist. In contrast to her reaction to Archer's words, Rin gives a rather satisfied smile to Dorian. Like him, she takes a cup and raises it, though only as far as to elevate it off the table slightly in a gesture closer to raising a teacup. "Agreed. And if you ever need anyone to keep an eye on her, just ask." Once again, the magus - and this time the Servant as well - take note of the learning raven with a degree of suspicion, though Archer's is more idle curiosity then anything else, while Rin's is a touch more annoyance, like the bird is somehow asserting itself as her natural enemy in her mind. She looks almost like she's trying to stare the raven down out of the corner of her eye, almost as if daring it to give her reason to shoot it with a curse. Thankfully, she's wearing a white turtleneck-shirt, so it's overhead view won't give it any gratifying views... but when it actually starts glancing down and Rin sees where it's looking - or rather glancing for anything 'interesting' - this, coupled with it's prior glancing, makes up her mind. "Excuse me..." The sudden raising of her hand- "Gandr!" -and discharging of a red-twinged magic bullet will likely surprise a few... but she's lowered the intensity enough so that if it hits, it will, at best, give the bird a mild lethargy upon impact. She still doesn't know if it's a familiar or not for sure... but given all the 'coincidences', Rin feels justified in a 'better safe then sorry' belief, before glancing back to those assembled with a smile as though what she did wasn't out of the ordinary at all. "Now, where were we?" After Yari reaffirms her thanks to everyone, Rin gives a nod and rises with the rest. ... However, much to Rin's barely-restrained fury, Archer can't seem to resist one final parting word as they leave, turning to glance at Yari... a rather bitter smile on his face. "I doubt you'll pay me any heed... but I've learned the hard way that often the only way to save anyone is to kill those that threaten them. If you are going to teach your daughter anything in this life, at least have the decency to not lie to her and say she can save anyone without being willing to kill for it.... or at least, do so as long as you insist she follow my chosen path over yours." Rin grinds her teeth as Archer takes the smart route and dematerializes into his spiritual state before anyone can reprimand him, the insinuation that Linh's decision is going to make her end up like /him/ one day - that Yari's daughter is a younger version of himself - possibly being a far worse insult then any he'd uttered thus far. And only far more painful to consider since, to a degree... one could say it was true. They'd just have to know what Emiya Shirou's future could possibly hold in store to make the connection. ... A future she prayed she'd never have to see come to pass... for Shirou or anyone else. Not if she had a say in it, at least... and certainly not in the way Archer would deal with it.
Merlin	Merl^H^H^H^H The raven gets a piece of dragongirl tail! Awesome! Actually it comes as a surprise, as the inauspicious avian starts to make his way to the rafters the sudden petting from Yari gets him to freeze in place. Well, okay, he can permit someone else to preen his fancy form. And then Yari reads Archer the riot act, and it gives Merlin a fantastic chance to examine her butt^H^H^H^H soul - and he finds it (both) quite strong and acceptable. Well now. With that, it seems the discussion is over - Yari's tail has sadly gone away, and so is Yari herself. Still...the admissions are much to be considered. And Linh wishes to become a healer, then? There's another long look at Inga. Oh yes, the raven thinks, there's plenty of teachers for that. She will be in good hands. Sanary as well; they both have plenty to educate the girl in. In the meantime, learning what he needed to, the raven decides it's time to go. The threat to Dun Realtai may continue, but there are many allies they can count on - and Yari, and these others, aren't going to try to use the village as a set of human shields. Good. With a noisy flutter of wings the raven takes off for the outside world, giving Inga a glance once more - and this time, if she looks close into its eye, there might just be the perception of pastel-colored shoujo-manga bubbles bursting in the background. And then Rin totally and completely overreacts, shooting the poor momentarily departing bird with a Gandr shot. The Finnish curse does strike home, though fortunately it's weak and only manages to ruffle a few tail feathers. But really, blasting a simple little birdie? You can't blame the Raven for scoping out Rin's legs - it's not the bird's fault that she's lacking in upper assets. It must be hard being so unendowed, thinks the raven as it flaps off raggedly into the night.
Dorian Pavus	Dorian notices Yari's state and frowns. "Do be careful," he cautions gently. "Don't let anyone upset you enough to hurt yourself right now. Not that you can't take it -- you seem the tough sort -- but you expend more of yourself on those situations than they deserve." The mention of Dorian offering safehouses gets a nod. "I'll speak to an associate of mine, and then I'll give you a couple of safe locations," he says. "It shouldn't take long to get a few places in mind." Inga mentions goats, and then Dorian speaks up again, this time teasingly. "Very good, but you might want to wait on the sacrifices until she's old enough." Yes, he's kidding. The wry smirk on his face is proof of that. Princess Peach's comment gets a frown from Dorian. "That would be an extremely stupid mistake," he says. "I'll only speak for myself, but there are several things I take extreme offense to. Placing children in harm's way to get at their parents is one of them. Let them do that, and I will let them know the meaning of fear." A Smirk. "That is, if I'm given the chance. I have a feeling I'd need to take a number and get in line."