Welcome to Gaia! ::

((Sorry! I've had a lot of s**t to do lately, including getting two wisdom teeth out. Me+percocet=sleep))

(Then): Alfons gave a slight bow at Val's departure. Now to find Dmitri.

(Now):
"Sorry I'm late. Got lost on the way here."

"I told you ve should not have followed him! He does not now up from down!"

"Will you shut it? It was hard enough finding you in the first place." Alfons paused. "Why I haven't seen an Asian dragon in ages. Schön, einfach schön."

"Ty govorishʹ Russkhi khorosho, tovarishch, no mozhet ispolʹzovatʹneskolʹko uluchsheniĭ.* I am Dmitri Alkaev Zolnerovich, Soldier for Hire. Former Spetsnaz."
Dmitri stood proudly.
"You defected before you graduated their training, remember?" Alfons burst his bubble.
"Vhy do you alvays have to remind me?"
"Because it bothers you. Anyway," Alfons turned to Val, "I assumed I was expected to, so here I am."
He looked back towards the dragons. "Besides, there's a small system of caverns there where an old friend of mine lives. I think I might visit him."



*You speak Russian well, comrade, but could use some improvement.

"Of course of course. Come Dmitri. I won't send for you if you miss this flight," Alfons said as he boarded.
Dmitri smirked at Twi and followed Alfons.

Ciro boarded soon after and sat beside Scarlet. He glanced near the back, where Alfons was at a window seat, and Dmitri was running his mouth in Russian.

Ciro looked at Scarlet, to the drink, back to Scarlet, and smiled. "I didn't mean to take so long. I'd love to share." He knew this would be a good trip.

At the back of the coach, Dmitri had finally stopped speaking, or so it seemed. He started up not but a minute later. "Eh, boss... who vas ze 'old friend' you mentioned a few minutes ago?"
"An old Zen monk. My father knew him... and if I recall correctly he's taking care of something of his that I might find useful in the future."
"Vhat is it?"
"I'll show you later."


(Elsewhere, in an airport terminal, a Monk waits in line.)
"AAACCHHOOOOOO!" *Sniff* "I hope I'm not getting a cold. It'd ruin my pilgrimage."

he smirked, and bared his fangs, setting mouse out of his lap where he was playing with her hair.

"heh. my pleasure."

he rose from his seat and nestled on the opposite side of Ciro from Scarlet on their bench. his hands went to the bodyguard's head, cradling his jaw in the most frightenly sensual way possible, as he gazed and smirked predatorilly at the man. but he chuckled and turned Ciro's head to face Scarlet.

"get in the mood dear boy, before I have to coax it out of you in a way that might confuse such a newly-turned childe as you... he purred in Ciro's ear.

"Unrestrained desires... intoxicating power...." Ciro mumbled. His eyes widened a bit, and he gained a devilish smirk. "I spent most of my life as stoic as possible, never letting my emotions or desires rise to the surface." Ciro paused, and felt a surge of power in his system. "Now, though not technically living, I feel more alive than ever. I'll unleash my desire, realize my full power, and revel in it!"*short laugh* He was now in a full grin.
"If you wish for power you should see what's at the monk's place." Alfons stood and turned to face Ciro. "A mystical artifact that amplifies one's ki." He had a scowl on his face. "Although... I doubt you would be able to use it...."
He adjusted his gloves and sat back down.
"Boss, you creep me out sometimes." Dmitri raised an eyebrow.

"He's not the only power hungry one."

Ciro shrugged. "Meh. Scarlet, how about a glass of that liqueur?"

at mention of this monk, Valthier was intrigued. he was alsomore than a little worried; he had a feeling that Alfons had plans for this artifact.

dare he inquire? doing so might raise suspicion. however, this human was a Goldschmit, and that meant he was most likely savvy enough to realize Val wasn't ignorant. and information was surely valuable.

recpulling mouse into his lap, fingers drumming playfully on her shoulder, the Elf asked "what is this Artifact, Alfons? and who else might be after it?"

there was a definite purr in his voice; one which Scarlet would know all too well meant that Val saw this as a game of strategy. already he was calculating the playing pieces.