Tournamental Torment

    It's a bit disappointing that, when Fuka came to the chainmail bikini +1 to see about getting a new outfit, she learns that Gwen is currently in the middle of an obsessive experimental phase and isn't likely to produce anything ... tasteful at the moment. Or rather she would, but she'd begrudge the time spent and Fuka's not into wasting her friends' patience. Not that she has any actual problem with unfashionable outfits, especially when they're cute, but she has to actually meet the expectations of her alliance while taking it on herself to represent them. Because really, getting the New World Alliance to actually do anything is like herding cats. It's best just to lead and get forgiveness later, or something like that!

    So Fuka's present, kind of just moping about with various fashion, enjoying what she thinks will be cute but missing the opportunity to involve a friend in the process...

It's certainly odd how when the strange moods seem to hit several people at once. And in Shiruba's case has kept her across the ocean for much longer stretchs of time. For someone who hasn't had these obsessive episodes very often, when she does she's -very- fixated. As people know well after the endeavours over Yeenagi.

But there were no string theory boards. Just one unkempt wolf girl shuffling into the shop, looking like her mind was already somewhere else. Though she does have a small bundle with her.

And as Fuka searches through the clothes on display, likely ones hung from a rack, possibly sliding the hangers across a pole... whatever the action Fuka performs, it will eventually reveal something hiding behind the fashion.

Or, rather, someone.

It's a Musical Kung-Fu Nurse, except that, at the moment, she looks nothing like one. She's more decked into... something black that covers as much as a swimsuit, except that there's strips of (equally black) fabric criss-crossing over her body, held in place by strategically placed golden rings. Also yes. Of course there is a choker. Can't rock the Dark Loathed Race Villainess without a choker.

"AaaaAaaAaaAAAaaaAA!", Uta armflails, upon her hiding place being discovered. "Quick, quick, hide me again! I can't be seen like this!"

Whether or not Shiruba has registered is unclear; Uta has been Seen by People, and that's what matters.

    Fuka blinkblinks as Uta is revealed. "What are you... Songbird? I hardly recognized you!" the little sylph crows cheerfully, obviously delighted to see Uta. And to SEE her. Hey, Fuka adores cute. And hot people. And cute people looking hot. And friends... looking cute, hot, or both.

    Confused Fuka may be, and let's face it this is hardly a typical Uta outfit. But she's quick on her toes and opportunistic, especially when it's funny! "I got you covered!" Fuka promises with a grin. A playful grin. Oh no. And she steps fully in front of Uta, sort of blocking all sight of her. Sort of, because with her plate-and-mail armor Fuka's at least as wide as her friend. But of course she's also half a foot shorter, so it's pretty obvious who it is she's hiding behind her! Let the fun begin!

    "Oi, Shiba is that you?" Fuka calls, once situated in front of Uta so that the spriggan has nowhere to go without being (heh) exposed. She beckons to the wolfgirl, grinning hugely. "I need to get you signed up, to represent Silver Sword! You DO want to represent Silver Sword, don't you? Do us proud?" she aks, not making it at all clear what she's trying to sign Shiruba up for.

Wolven ears perk up at the surprised shriek and Shiruba against what would probably be better judgement normally wanders over to that side of the shop to investigate. "Hello Fuka... but that wasn't your voice..." She glances back and forth a bit. She knows that yell was a familiar voice...

But Fuka, for the moment, manages to distract her. "Huh?" She gives a shake of her head, trying to clear it. "I'm the guild moderator, don't I already? Or do you mean for something specific?"

Of course once she walks over she can see past Fuka's shoulder pretty easily. "Oh, Uta. What are -- oh." Down amongst the clothing. "I sympathize, but why are you trying to hide from Gwen in her own shop?"

At first, Uta, in her flustered state, sounds relieved at Fukaziroh's offer to help.

But then, things go as they go; first, the offer to 'cover' Uta turns out to be metaphorical, not literal. Then, Shiruba is clalled over, and addresses the Srpriggan.

"Wait, you can see me?!", Uta asks, shocked, pointing at her nose.

Look at Shiruba. Look at Fuka. Look up at Shiruba. Look -down- at Fuka.

"...Oh."

"It's too late to hide from Gwen! Too late!", Uta whimpers, barely audible. "All the clothes I had taken to her for mending? Not being given back. All I'm being given back is... other clothes." She can't stop a slight blush as she utters those words. "I am simply too... ashamed to go out, that is! I'm waiting until nighttime to sneak out! Or until I die of embarrassment. Whichever comes first."

Uta inhales. And then, lowering her voice and leaning over to Shiruba, she squints. "It is too late for me... but not for you! Save yourself! You can still make it!" The latter is uttered in what, pretty much, amounts to a raspy whisper.

    Fuka will always wish for Uta's best, protect her from what she needs protection from, and encourage her when she needs it. This is not one of those times however, since the little sylph thinks the only thing wrong with Uta's current outfit is location. If Uta's not willing to go to the beach right now, well, then fun is to be had here! Not to mention encouragement!

    "You know, I heard Gwen's not available right now for a commission. Which is a total shame, as I'm looking for an outfit for the upcoming Crownless Cup!" Fuka rambles enthusiastically. "So, you know, I'm not exactly looking to hide from Gwen. Maybe she'll make me something like that outfit, Uta! It looks amazing! Well okay, maybe it's not really what I'm looking for right at this very moment since I'm kind of looking for something traditional and that's ... well, not. But it's still pretty hot and I'd love to wear something like that for a special someone! If I had a special someone anyways." she adds.

    Fuka pauses, more for a breath than a thought, but then apparently abruptly remembers Shiruba. "Oh yes, of course you're the guild moderator! Aren't you?" she asks, seemingly genuinely puzzled. Herding cats and all that. But Fuka's not sure what that has to do with her request. "Oh wait no, I mean, fighting! You're an AMAZING fighter!" she says, then pauses for the briefest moment. "Actually BOTH of you are! You both need to sign up for the tournament so you can show off and have a ton of fun and I can totally get plushies of BOTH of you!!!"

    Pause.

    "Not that that's the reason I want you to join, naturally." Fuka lies. Well okay, not the only reason. But they ARE commissioning dolls, or plushies if you will, of the well-known duellists who are registered early enough to have some production made of them.

Between the two of them more things fit together in Shiruba's head. "Oh, she's in one of -those- moods. Explains why she didn't immeadiately ambush me at the door." She shrugs, taking out the bundle she had and setting it on the counter. "I just brought over some of the materials I've had drop while hunting in the Palace Lands, see if she can figure out what's actually of use in her skills." It's kind of funny, Shiruba being in a similar sort of mood herself, but it's so rare the one in the mood realizes it.

Her gaze turns back to Fuka as she continues to ramble on. "Oh, right, New World is having the Tournament this time. I remember." Rubs a hand against the back of her head. "I'm a good fighter Fuka, yes, but it's mostly against beasts and monsters. I'm not particularly experienced with PvP...."

It's a rollercoaster for Uta. At first, distraction. Talk about what Fuka is looking for. And then there's the combo of reminding Uta of what she's wearing. Blush. Complimenting it as 'amazing', which leaves Uta unsure of how to feel about it. Mentioning it's not traditional reverses the fortunes of the blushing into 'yes blushing', and hitting with a 'hot' right as Uta was still processing the previous blushing sends the whole thing into 'very yes blusing' and, if not armflailing yet, at least shifting weight uncomfortably.

But the final blow comes from the mention of a special someone, which leaves Uta simply all red in the face and paralyzed, unable to even stutter. It takes until the end of Fuka's speech - no, until the end of Shiruba's response for her to be able to speak again. "The tournament!", she exclaims, apparently completely distracted by her current predicament. "Yes, Shiruba, we should both sign up! It's going to be fun! I've heard there are prizes. I love prizes. It's also an amazing opportunity for training with some pretty skilled combatants! It's pretty great considering the sign-up fee! Which I forget how much it is. But I'm sure it's reasonable." Nerding out about things is one thing that seems to make Uta forget her predicaments: she begins ranting, and, holding her hand horizontal, slowly move it upward in small, abrupt, jerky discrete steps. "And self-regulating as far as difficulty goes! It's like the Peter principle. You will rise through the brackets until you hit your sweet spot of incompetence!"

    Fuka does have some sympathy for Shiruba's lack of PVP experience, but she also is invested in encouraging her friends to grow beyond their immediate comfort zones into other fun things. At their own pace and in their own times, of course, but that doesn't mean she won't pry. "PvP isn't that different, trust me! I used to duel a lot, before the apocalypse made that... you know, not so much of a game. But it's a tournament, so it's totally a game!"

    Fuka considers, but only for a moment, before continuing the encouragement. "You just have to treat your opponent in the duel like a monster. So totally the same thing as PVE!" Fuka claims. "Or... well, maybe not the same, especially if you're in front of a crowd. But that's okay! If you're nervous all you have to do is picture your opponent naked!" she grins. "Wait no, that's for public speaking and you're supposed to think like the audience is naked. But same idea, right?" she asks, her expression shifting into something less certain, more dubious. Or at least more sketchy.

    Aaanyways, Fuka glances over at Uta, her grin turning into something of a smirk as she notices the effect she's having on her Spriggan friend. She doesn't press the issue further however, having at least *some* mercy, for now. "Yes, please both of you should sign up!" Fuka claims enthusiastically. "The fees are pretty reasonable, and I hardly need to tell you any income the tournament makes after costs is going to support the war efforts. Good cause! Plus you could get like some kind of sponsorship deal on the side if you don't have the coin handy! The prizes, well... not going to spoil THAT, but it'll be super worth it I'm sure!" she claims with an entirely innocent expression. Which should make anybody who knows Fuka instantly suspicious.

Shiruba stares at her two friends as they ramble back and forth. It's not a blank stare, but it's clear her mind is already wandering somewhere else. She has to be sure to return to the Marina at the right time to catch a ship back to the Palace Lands. They were going to start to moving towards some of the higher level areas, no idea what they will find even with some of the local rebels acting as guides. Most of them aren't high enough to have ventured into such areas before. While it might be her Hunting skills she's focused on, it was tickling her explorer side as well. Maybe they --

Abruptly she snaps back to the conversation going on in her vicinity. Partially from Uta's ethusiasm, and partially because Fuka starts to paraphase the idea in a concept resonated a bit closer with her current mind frame. She cusps a hand to her chin with a thoughtful hmmm. "People are referred to as 'The Most Dangerous Game' for our ingenuity and adaptability in the dire face of survival. I imagine a controlled duel wouldn't be pushing people to that level of desperation but...."

"NOBODY IS IMAGINING ANYONE, BE IT DUELIST OR AUDIENCE, IN ANY STATE OF UNDRESS!", Uta armflails. There we go! Response triggered! "I'm trying to -win- the tournament!"

"But Fuka has a point, there," Uta adds to Shiruba. "Low level rewards are interesting already, and top tier rewards tend to be pretty exceptional too. I've heard stories that some winners get drops from very uncommon monsters. Possibly tied to Lore. That's one extra incentive for me. Maybe I can learn more about this world... acquire items I normally cannot through regular adventuring..."

And she says this as she shimmers a fountain pen into existence, to sign in for the tournament.

    Fuka headbobs to Shiruba's statements, agreeing with them at least in part, enough to catch the sylph's enthusiasm. "Oh yeah, absolutely! I mean, I prefer talking about fights more than fighting, so I'm going to announce rather than duel. But fighting another adventurer is WAY more fun than fighting a monster! Don't get me wrong I love a good boss fight as much as any girl, but there's no real thrill in tricking a dumb mob. If you want a good fight, a real test of skill and wits, there's no substitute for a good duel!" she says enthusiastically.

    With that, Fuka rummages in her inventory and comes up with a reasonably well preserved sign-up form. Grinning at Uta she proffers the form... but before Uta takes it and can apply pen to parchment the little sylph grins wickedly. "If you say so, Uta. But where's the fun in not imagining anyone in a state of undress!" she asks.

    Once the inevitable armflailing is done and Uta can hold a pen unthreateningly, Fuka will allow her the chance to sign. And then to magnanamously offer the same to Shiruba. Teasing is all well and good, but she doesn't want to risk ruining the signup forms and having the existing work spoiled and needing to be redone! Playful pranks are only good when they don't actually harm anyone or wreck anything after all!

"I suppose since New World is sponsering the tournament it is only fair I at least make a show of what the Silver Swords are here for." Shiruba accepts the form to sign it after Uta, and despite her disheveled Strange Mood state manages to not get any smudges or anything on the parchment. "And the experience wouldn't hurt." She knows she can't avoid having to fight other people on occasion, as much as she dislikes it. Besides, the tournament is controlled conditions using the safety of the dueling... code feels so weird to say but it's still accurate.

"Don't underestimate mobs," she replies as she hands the form back. "They can be surprising when unfamiliar and unusual. That's the whole point of the safaris in the Palace Lands. To better learn how their chimeratic nature influences their capabilities and how to deal with them. And if we can better refine hunting there, and what provides the most useful or valuable drops, the rebellion can better supply themselves without relying entirely on our week long shipments."

    Since her own semi-nefarious intent has been achieved, Fuka can observe and promote others, helping them to achieve their own goals. In Uta's case that's obvious; offer her a nice cloak or something and get her somewhere she can don one of her own outfits in peace, or perhaps find Gwen and bargain Uta's clothes out of the fashion-obsessed lass. Fuka can offer to pay with her body perhaps. But Shiruba... Shiruba's situation is a little more nuanced.

    Fuka can see the signs of obsession. The dirtiness, the fascination. Perhaps even the lack of sleep and the hunger. She's not without sympathy, and once again enjoys encouraging her friends to pursue that which is dear to them. "Oh I wouldn't underestimate mobs, I'm just saying they're not as fun to trick!" Fuka says agreeably, nodding along like a loon. "And when the tournament's over I'll be happy to go there and help with the safaris. I mean, you know what I've been doing over here in support of our troops and all, but while I seem to have fallen into merchanting and stuff, it's not exactly my calling? I'd rather help more directly! First by bringing in some shipments of everything the tournament helps us to gather, then maybe joining you there on safari!"

It's much like when Shiruba was tracking the cultist gnolls of Yeenagi. The obsession and desire is there. But there's always some focus on how it's helpful to others as is her nature as well.

But yes it shows. Less outright sleepy and more how easily the normally very astute wolftress' attention drifts. And particularly in the unkempt nature. Her hair is even messier than usual for it's 'wilderness' look, her tail has not been brushed of burrs and snarls, and well you get the idea. She nods a bit. "Merchantiling is more Yeowang's business, but I'm sure she appreciates some help. Getting the tournament and everything involved in it going is a large undertaking, even for the likes of her and Haru and whoever else they've pulled into help." It's an Alliance thing, after all, not just a Silver Sword thing. Even if they are the more combat oriented Guild. "More help is always appreciated. The wildlife over there is an entirely different experience."

Hiding from Gwen in her own shop? You fools, while the others are talking and plotting? Morri will sneak over, block then lock the the door. While Uther has blocked the back door. Why would they do this while everyone is distracted? Because Gwen is here and she's in what looks like a legless wet suit as she enters https://i.imgur.com/C96EHTO.png. She'll happily clasp her hands together as she sees everyone.

"Ah you all come to help try out my newest creations! WONDERFUL! I don't have to hunt you all down!"

    Fuka's even learned to build things! No one can fault her for the sheer effort she's put in to helping set up the tournament, not if they've seen her work or heard of what she's been doing. But then, of course it's not really about getting praise. For Fuka, it's at least partly because being responsible and dutiful frees her to do literally anything else she wants to. Some might even see it as selfish, but then Fuka has never really cared overly much what others think. She knows her own worth, and can't be bothered with justifying it to others.

    "Of course, now that you're signed up, we'd better look after you!" Fuka grins at Shiruba. "Can't have our best rep looking all dirty and scruffy! Now where's Gwen, maybe we can persuade her to loan a... a B.A.T.H." Fuka spells the latter out, as if trying to avoid saying an unpleasant word around an animal. "And then we can brush your fur. I mean, your hair!"

    "OH HI GWEN!" Fuka abruptly blurts as the somewhat taller sylph makes an appearance. "Oooh I love the outfit! That looks amazing on you! Oh, speaking of outfits..." she nods, gestures to Uta hiding behind her. "Can you give Songbird hers back? I'm sure she wants to go outside by now, and she needs her clothes back. You can use my body in exchange instead?" Fuka offers with a wink-wink gesture that honestly looks more like she's got dust in her eyes than that she's being truly lascivious.

Shiruba rolls her eyes as Fuka spells out the world, and then fumbles over if she should refer to her floof as fur or hair. "You don't need to get so helter skelter over which term to use. Fur is technically a kind of hair, after all."

Oh, and there's Gwen. And Uther and Morri going about ... if she was less addled in the head Shiruba would probably realize something is up. "Gwen, perfect, I brought you something." She grabs the bundle off the counter and turns to offer it to the taller Sylph. "I brought you some of the hides and such from Palace Land beasts, so you can figure out what's best usable or not. Maybe find something good and reliable but not too hard to hunt down so the uncrowned rebellion can keep their lighter armor and gear in order." She's snapped back into her own obsession now, oblivious to what else her adoptive older sister might be plotting.

Has to be a strange mood. Shiruba would of turn and scrammed by this point.

"Yes!", comes an embarrassed Spriggan voice from behind a rack of clothing. "You know, none of the clothes you've given me back are my usual ones. They are all... VERY MUCH NOT my usual ones- wait, was that the sound of doors locking?"

"AND DON'T MAKE THINGS WEIRD, FUKA!"

Gwen giggles at Fuka. "Very well then I shall make full use of your body later but now one Uta your outfit is wonderful Uta! You look Maginifcant!" She grins and would smirks. she'll look to Shiruba

"Oh wonderful! I will make good use of this and I ahvce something to repay you for this! It's the greatest creation I made so far please put it on." She'll had Shiruba an swimsuit a very crative, video game physics abusing bikini!

"Uh... thanks, Gwen." Shiruba accepts the gift with as much grace as she can muster. "Is this the material you've been squirreled away working on?" she asks, finding it better to just direct Gwen's attention to a different part of her obsession than try to fuss over the swimsuit. Although... "Huh, this does feel more reliable than basic fabric though."

    Fuka turns to peer at Uta, a dubious expression on her face. "What do you mean about making things weird?" she asks, "What could possibly be weird about wanting my friends to have fun with me?"

    Okay yeah she DID say 'use my body' but Fuka can at least pretend there's nothing weird intended by the statement. She did mean 'for testing out new clothes' after all. Or did she? It's Fuka after all, who knows?

    "That reminds me, Miss Pantdragon." Fuka states, refocusing slightly. "I'm looking for a new outfit for the upcoming tournament. And as much as I totally love what you've done for Uta here, and for yourself too, I really need something ... a bit different?" she hedges. "Perhaps I should be talking to Mrs. Pantdragon, but I'm sure she's around somewhere right?" Fuka claims absently. The sharp-eyed sylph may well have noticed Morri locking the door at some point. Oh well, as long as she gets enfashionated good and proper! "The tournament is themed around acceptance of others, so what I'm really looking for, as one of the hostesses, is something traditional. But not TOO traditional, if you know what I mean! Something that wouldn't be out of place among the nobility of Landers, but with a unique twist that highlights a difference, like a new fabric or accessories or something. Oh, and since it's the Crownless Cup, I could really use something that'll emphasise my hair. Loose, or done up nice perhaps, but not something like a tiara or similar. Maybe a nice jeweled hairpin, or a bright ribbon-woven fancy braid!"

Gwen says "Yes it is, please put it on!" She grins "You will look amazing in it you should show off what you got!" She'll look over to Fuka for a moment and grins even more.

"Pants?! WHY would you bring in Pants here! Wait I wonder IOf I could...." She gets ideas for biker shorts Yoga pants as well.

"Yoga Pants...."

Oh god what have you done Fuka.

"Aye I think I could work into something like that...."

"You fool!", Uta exclaims to Fuka. "The best you'll get in the current state is a sequined swimsuit!"

To Shiruba's comment, Uta has to, very, very, -very- reluctantly concede, "...it is. Which makes me furious. It's better than my regular adventuring gear."

"Thanks, Gwen! Now that we have established that, can I have my clothes back please? The ones that look normal, just have reached low durability, and brought in for mending? You know, the ones where there must have been a mix-up and instead of my regular clothes I got... uh... something that traded fabric quantity for quality, let's say?"

"Oh, on that subject!", Uta exclaims. "Yes, chimeric monsters are an interesting subject! For instance: the Palace Lands have chimeric -animals-, but only chimeric -dire animals-, not regular chimeric monsters. Of course, they have slimes shaped by chimeric animals, but that's a different story. Then there is Yamato -- Li Gan sent me to find a manticore specifically because he found it strange that there'd be chimeric monsters in -Yamato-!"

Nothing like getting Uta to nerd out to distract her from fashion.

    Turning back, Fuka gives Uta that confused look again, only this time with a not-quite-hidden mischevious smirk. "What's wrong with a sequined swimsuit?" she asks, as if she hadn't just specifically requested a lander-style outfit for actual reasons.

    This lacks about as long as it takes for Fuka to snort and crack a full grin. Which is to say not long at all. "Seriously though Gwen, that sounds fine, but it's *really important to me* to have something that at least on the surface looks like it's in the style of a lander noble, but that shows differences from tradition. I'm coming to you and your family because I trust you to do it proper justice. That if anyone knows what it's like to stand out and wear something noticeable, it's you guys." she says.

    This is, of course, also why Fuka said this with Morri in earshot. Because Fuka knows strange moods, and if Gwen's current obsession won't provide something suitable, she trusts Morri to step in. Perhaps alone among Gwen's friends, Fuka trusts Morri explicitly. She's one of the cool parental adults in Fuka's life after all.

"I'll try it on later," Shiruba finally replies after putting it in her inventory. "I have just come off a long venture in the pursuit of creatures big and small and it would do no justice to your work to wear it while I'm in such a state of ... disarray or something." Pause. "Yeah, something like that." While she slouchs a little, her tail slothing against the floor. Now that they've been standing around talking for a while the need for a good sleep is starting to catch up to her. "But thanks. Seriously. I know I--" pause for a big yawn, showing that she does have some small fang-like teeth "--give you grief sometimes but I appreciate it..." Sleepy floof is sleepy.