[action in Alexandria]

[starprism.livejournal.com]

[A tiny stowaway arrived this morning on an airship from Wutai. She's decided not to announce her presence to the returners this time, instead just looking around the city for somwhere to eat. They have thier hands full with Locke anyway.

Relm's brush moves across the paper quickly as she finishes her meal. As she goes to pay, she discreetly plucks three coins from the sketchbook and drops them into the innkeeper's hand.

It's only a few seconds after she's left that they dissolve into paint and water.]

[Have a small child being chased around Alexandira by an angry innkeeper with paint-covered hands.]

Comments

[starprism.livejournal.com]

[Nooooooooo. Strugging again now.]

Nooo! Not the dungeon! Dungeons are the worst!

[tantalus-born.livejournal.com]

And why not? He's right, it's what we usually do with thieves, really? And you do have to make up for what you did...



But maybe we can figure something out. You any good with this?

[starprism.livejournal.com]

[Paintbrush! She stops stuggling for freedon and starts madly pawing at the air above her, trying to grab it.

And then stops for a second. Because regardless of the situation here is a chance to brag about how awesome she is.]

Are you kidding? I'm the best artist on the ruined world. And probably the best one here, too.

[She seems very smug when she says this, despite the situation. Really? She's more worried about what Locke would say if he found out she got caught than about anything else. She'd never live it down!]

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

[Steiner gives Zidane an 'are you serious' look.]

Your Majesty, what are you suggesting?

[tantalus-born.livejournal.com]

Best Artist in the world, huh? And you're, what, ten? That's pretty hard to believe...

[starprism.livejournal.com]

Eleven.

[Because the extra year totally made a difference.]

Jidoor's on this world, right? You can ask anyone at the auction house there. I used to sell paintings there back when it was at home.

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

[And now Steiner is tapping his foot pointedly. Eventually he can't hold it in.]

We're wasting time, Your Majesty! Let us take her to the castle and be done with it.

[tantalus-born.livejournal.com]

Oh relax, Rusty. And stop calling me that.

[Zidane turned his attention back to Relm.]

Fine then. I want you to paint me a painting. Something amazing. Then we'll decide what to do with you.

[starprism.livejournal.com]

Gotcha, Tail. But I'm gonna need my brush back.

[And there isn't a thing about that grin that's all over her face that doesn't mean 'trouble'. And yes, his nickname is now 'Tail'. At least it doesn't have 'old man' in it.]

Got a subject in mind? Or do I get to pick?

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

Zidane! What is the point of allowing this child to paint anything? She'll probably throw the paint in our faces and then run off to deface the castle!

[For once, Steiner is right in his apprehensions, if not for the right reasons. But he doesn't want to give over that brush.]

[tantalus-born.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you could catch her if she did that, Rusty. Or I'd catch her. And I'm not so forgiving the second time.

[He gave Relm a pointed look, and then turned to consider the brush in his hand. Finally he shook his head.]

I think I'll hold on to this. We'll find you a different brush.

[starprism.livejournal.com]

[Relm tries not to look too disappointed but that had totally been her plan. When Zidane announces he's keeping the brush for now, she fails for sure at 'not looking disappointed'.]

What-! But it- that one's special! The dumb old man gave it to me!

[And for once, this is the truth rather than an appeal to emotion, though the fact that it's also a focus for her abilities isn't something she's forgotten. Without it she can still animate her pictures but they wouldn't be capable of much in the way of destruction without using more magic than she actually has.

But mostly? It's all she really has here that she associates with her grandpa. Her voice takes on a whiny, pleading tone.]

You're gonna give it back if I paint good enough, right?

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

There are paintbrushes in the castle, Zidane. Let us go there!

[Oh, such a cunning ploy.]

[tantalus-born.livejournal.com]

[Zidane almost felt bad at seeing Relm look so disappointed, but at her question he nods.]

Of course I'll give it back when you paint something good enough, kid. Come on Rusty, let's take her back like you said.

[He turned to start off towards the castle but paused to glance at Relm again.]

What's your name, anyway?

[starprism.livejournal.com]

You promise?

[She doesn't have much choice but to cooperate now with her favourite brush being held hostage. She shifts around as best she can within Steiner's grip to make it a little less uncomfortable.]

I'm Relm. Relm Arrowny. You got a name, Tail?

[She's maybe kind of grasped from Steiner's words that she's speaking to royalty right now. But she certainly doesn't care. If the 'helpless child' act didn't work then sucking up probably wouldn't help anyway.]

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

Less of your insolence! You are speaking to His Majesty, King Zidane of Alexandria!

[He glares at her as he marches her off towards the castle, following Zidane.]

You should be grateful that the king is so forgiving!