And Sparks Shall Fly

[Kender Bard]

Sashi gave a helpless shrug and didn't bother concealing the half-grin that stole to her lips. She immediately liked this girl for her shrewdness. "You got me," she says simply. "And if you're half as clever as you seem, you'll understand why I have a hard time swallowing the story. And I assure you, it's not just because it seems awfully.. convenient? Or fantastic. Whichever. If you spent time on the streets, then you know a thing or two about human nature and that should be answer enough, aye?"

[Northen Light36]

Acqua sighes and nods grimly. "More then I ever wanted to," Acqua replied darkly. "And yeah, it is convenient, I know. But..." Acqua sighes. "Amaro's family was old and they were the type to cling to every copper." Acqua chuckles. "So's Amaro actually, but not when it comes to his family's money." Acqua's expression darkens, "What Amaro wouldn't say is that the reason he turned away from his parents is that they murdered his best friend right in front of him. As for me," Acqua shrugs. "My parents are dead because of his uncle. Does that clear up why neither of us want the money?"

[Kender Bard]

"Yeah," Sashi says simply. "Look, why you're giving this money to us doesn't really matter on my end of the deal. As long as I don't catch any hell for getting tangled up in something I ought not, I'm happy to spend every copper making the Company something to be proud of. Now do you want a tour of the shack that you and your brother are replacing?"

[tuo]

The front door opens and Lukas walks in, wearing a wide grin. "We're back captain!" He blinks upon seeing Acqua there talking with Sashi. "Oh, I'm sorry. New client?"

[Kender Bard]

"Lukas!" Sashi gasps, a grin splitting her face as she forgets herself a moment and runs over, throwing her arms around the Mind and hugging him tight, laughing. "Oh, Lukas, I'm so glad you're back. You have no idea what it's been like without another living soul around until today!" Her words are friendly but she allows a warmer look to steal into her eyes before she regains her composure. "And actually new partners. This kiddo, Acqua, and her older brother, Amaro Mellisan. There's more but I can tell you that later when we have some time alone to discuss the mission."

[Northen Light36]

Zap freezes as he comes through the door. "Did you say Amaro Melissan?" he asks, a throughly nasty look crossing his face as he looks around and then glares at Acqua for want of seeing Amaro. "What the hell is he doing here?"

[tuo]

Lukas was about to exclaim about Amaro too, but when he heard Zap's tone he turns to look at him with an incredulous look on his face. "What do you mean by that?"

[Kender Bard]

"What?" Sashi says simply, confused by Zap's reaction. "What the hell? Who pi-" she glanced at Acqua and hastily changed her phrase, "What's got your trousers in a knot all of a sudden? I'll have you know, that Amaro and Acqua are now not only guild members but our patrons as well!" She had wanted to save that bit of news for Lukas first, in private, but ah well.

[Northen Light36]

"I am not working with a Melissan," Zap growls. "Sashi, they're all the same. Nothing more then murderous thugs who'll side with whoever flatters them." Acqua's expression darkens as Amaro, alerted by the noise steps back in.

"Zappary Legend," he sighes.

"Drowned any toddlers lately, Melissan?" Zap spits.

[Kender Bard]

"Enough!" Sashi roars at Zap, moving away from Lukas. She's not a tall woman but drew herself up and glowered at Zap. "What the hell, Zap? These 'murderous thugs' you're blabbering on about seem to be good folk to me. I won't tolerate in-fighting in my walls either so whatever problems you have, you leave them outside that door. This is a neutral zone for all members!"

[tuo]

Lukas frowned and faced Zap. "Now hold on there! Amaro is not like the other Melissan's. He is a great and honorable mercenary!"

[Northen Light36]

Amaro frowns at Zap. "Zappary," he sighes. "I had nothing to do with what happened that day. Yes, I should have stopped my cousin but I was sixteen." Zap continues to glare.

"Your brother and cousin would have murdered my sister and you just WATCHED!" he snarls. Amaro winces.

"And they're both dead," he growls. "And your sister is fine."

"No thanks to you!" Zap snaps.

"You're right, and I'm sorry for that, Zappary," Amaro replies. "But for the love of the Forces, we were ALL stupid kids." Zap stares for a long moment then roughly shoves past Amaro and Acqua to stalk into his room.

[Kender Bard]

Sashi's eyes blaze and she brings up a fist, flames licking against her fist as she contemplates slugging Zap. "I'm sorry," she mutters hastily. "Lukas, make them feel more welcome." Snuffing out the flames, she stalks after Zap with a growl. "Zappary Legend!"

[tuo]

Lukas looked at Amaro and Acqua, feeling very uncomfortable with what just happened. "Well..I can show you the place then..if it's no trouble."

[Northen Light36]

"I won't work with him and I refuse to pretend I trust him, Sashi," Zap growls back, turning to glare at Sashi. "I grew up with the Melissan family breathing down our necks. Evil breeds evil, Sashi, and his family is as evil as they come, no matter how much that bastard claims otherwise."

Acqua and Amaro exchange uncomfortable looks, Acqua stepping close to her brother. "Yeah, that'd be good," Acqua murmurs. "What was your name again?"