Who Handles the Handler?

The carnival is in town!

The whole city of Shibuya is abuzz with celebration. Stands line the streets, selling anything from local crafts to exotic crafts, without forgetting the most important merchandise of all: food. Artists from all over Yamato have gathered here to perform, and anything from elaborate group numbers to lone street buskers can be enjoyed all over the city.

Off in a corner, a Spriggan some might know already is among said performers. While a few (undoubtedly Adventurer) bards play Tchaikovsky, she ballets her way around a circular stage-

-Surrounded by eight slimes which move in suprising synchronization. As Uta pirouettes one way, the slimes spiral all out in sync, when she bows, they stand and turn toward her, when she jumps, they all jump.

Some uninitiated might suspect this impressive feat of Monster Handling might be due to some arcane words of powers she's silently mouthing, but if one could /actually/ read lips, they'd figure out Uta is muttering something like, "...Fourland Dukedom. Descendants of the author could be located by visiting local registration offices. Consult statistics. Cross reference historical records... might study local variants of the common poring while there..."

Shield slung on her back, Ayame strolls through the carnival. Short steps, heeled boots, mean the regular clack of metal on stone constantly precede her as she slides her way through the crowd. Helping to keep the peace, as much as anything; the Silver Sword are useful for that, even if they lack the more artistic displays on show.

Speaking of

The soft Sylph pauses to watch Uta's display. There's just a smile and a shake of her head, rejecting that reality entirely as she picks out and pays for a festival snack, examining it carefully before nibbling it

The reason for the previous geometrical movement of the slimes begins to become apparent: as she dances, Uta sprinkles kibbles and seeds around, lying down a path for the slimes to follow later on, as they chew their way through the supply of food.

Right now the slimes are munching their way to converging towards Uta, kneeling down on the floor back arched so her face touches the boards of the slightly elevated stage. When all the slimes are cuddled up around her, she looks up, forgets to smile as the number required (most people probably do not know that -- the musicians, however, do wince), and picks up one of the slimes as she gets up, holding it in both her gloved hands. "Wait a minute now-", she mutters to herself. "I have never really considered how the reflexes of Tabby Slimes are affected. If you drop them, will they try to re-orient themselves to fall towards the ground?"

So, still dancing to the music as required, she introduces a variant in the number. One by one, she tosses the rest of the troupe into the air, picks up another one, tosses in the air, and begins to-

...Juggle? She is juggling her fellow gelatinous performers, all while she keeps going through her chassees, en pointes, fouettees, and arabesques.

Most of the crowd goes wild, except for her fellow performers whose reaction can be better described as abject horror. But the show must go on, and just like on the Titanic, the music doesn't stop, despite the dread for this muttering iceberg in a tutu.

Ayame shakes her head. There might be stifled laughter, a gloved hand over her mouth and shoulders jiggling up and down as she watches the terror that prances in the night, the chaser of slimes, twirl, en-tutu'd, tossing slimes with wild abandon. A hand snakes and sneaks out to brush one of the little dropped pieces of kibbleseed to her glove, examining it, before she clenches it in her fist and just lets out a heavy, bemused, regretfully amused sigh.

Still, there's business. For those Landers panicking at the sight of bouncing slimes, she reassures them. Managing, someone, to keep a straight face as she tells them 'Don't worry. Uta knows just what she's doing'. Lying is bad, Ayame!

The number goes on without any major incident, if we don't count a couple of almost missed steps and other... ahem... improvisations. Which include the some of the illusion turns ending up being more like roundhouse kicks, making it some sort of acrobatic kung-fu ballet.

Someone has not been concentrating on her number.

But all good things must come to an end, and even if it is debatable whether or not Uta's performance counts, it is eventually time for her to leave the stage and make room for the next performer.

Which she does... with a little help. At first reluctant to leave, another fellow performer cottons on and moves the slimes out first, which has the desired effect of having the Spriggan follow in tow.

"It's okay, Uta," says the Dire Seal Were Fang who led Uta down the stage. "You can go now. I'll take care of the slimes before I get ready for my ball balancing act."

"But I need to study them more!"

"No, you need to get out of that tutu and eat something."

"What? I would never be caught dead in a tutu, and there's plenty of time before-"
Her stomach grumbles so loudly it startles a couple of landers.

"Eat. Now."

Ayame steps up, nodding to the werefang, lifting a gloved hand "I'll go and make sure she gets something to eat" She says cheerfully, before extending the gloved hand to Uta "You looked amazing up there! Come and tell me what you were saying to yourself? I caught a little of it, but I'd love you to explain it to me more" The Sylph has learned the beginnings of wrangling the Uta; lead her to food or slimes. Today, it's food.

"There are some good vendors. And you can show people how lovely your costume is" With just a little grin of amusement, offering to escort her through the market to food.

While there's backup keeping the slimes away.

"Costume?", asks Uta, puzzled, as if she had no idea of what Ayame was talking about. But she understands very well when she's asked to expand on her mutterings. "Oh! You remember that book I told you I was looking for? The Tome on Slimeology? I've got a lead on it! Foudland Dukedom! It was written by someone associated with the-" her voice lowers in awed respect, "Tower of Mages!" Back to an almost excited squeal, she continues, "Can you believe it? Someone from that institution thought that slimes were worth a /full treatie/! I shall now double my efforts to find it!"

The trick seems to work, and as Uta rambles on, she's easily led anywhere Ayame cares to lead her.

There are many vendors. Ayame moves to one, and orders two sets of ikayaki. The two have a little space about them - Ayame as she makes a point of turning, the shield on her back getting some space, and Uta - well. No, no chance to change for the Spriggan. Get food in her while she can. For this purpose, two sticks with grilled tentacle and passed to Uta, one for each hand, and Ayame takes a pointed little bite of her own, looking to the Spriggan before she replies. And rambles in turn.

"I'm so pleased you found it" She begins, chattering away with miniscule bites. She's eaten, but it's a little like pretending to eat in front of a pet to encourage them to try the food "And that's wonderful! I'm sure it's full of useful information, and you might even be able to expand on it once you find it. After all, you'd using a lot of tricks - that was a wonderful display. What did you make their feed out of?" After she's given Uta a chance to bite.

The trick seems to work. Uta slips into some sort of subconscious mechanical nibbling while it's not her turn to talk, and -- well, launches into a flood of explanations when it /is/ her turn. "Oh, whatever's at hand. Slimes are not picky. They'll eat anything." A nibble of tentacle is taken, probably because of thought association. "Mostly seeds and kibbles. Seeds are more compact, can pack more of them per volume, they'll last longer. And I got myself a supply of kibbles as a reward for a rat duty." Another nibble. "Which brings me to the subject of why is why it's important to use pre-morphologically directed slimes for this kind of number, like Tabby slimes as I was using earlier," she says, gesturing towards the stage where now a Dire Seal Were Fang is balancing what looks like a beach ball on his nose. "Slimes tend to change their morphology based on what they eat, so- hm. Maybe I could incorporate that into the number and have the slimes turn into their designated form as part of the introduction..." Eyes lost in thought towards the stage. "...maybe balance a slime or two on my nose..."

"I think you don't want to steal the thunder of your friend" Ayame says. Another little nibble of her own, enjoying the meal, smiling across and taking Uta on a small walk. Letting her stroll and see other things, other shows, and Get Her Physically Away From The Slimes For A Bit.

"He looked like he was having a lot of fun" She nods and then shrugs "I didn't have something to show off, but I'm happy to help keep the peace and direct people. But the kibbles are good. What type of slimes would suit the ballet you were dancing?" She asks "And could you make one set to one of the Lander's songs, do you think?"

Uta stares at Ayame. "Ballet? I was doing ballet?" confused scratching of her head with one of her now empty skewers, while she nibbles on the other. "They /did/ change my number at the last minute...", she mumbles. "Was supposed to be acrobatic juggling, but they mentioned something about risk and not enough concentration, and- honestly, not sure what they went on rambling about, I wasn't really paying attention. So they switched my trapeze number to something closer to the ground (and the slimes) at the last minute. Had to be something simple, something one with the right skills could learn in a day. Heck, if you have the Song skill, I'm sure they could teach you that- wait."

She scratches her head. "Ballet? I thought I was doing acrobatic juggling?", She looks down at herself. "Well, uh, that explains the tutu- wait a minute, how did I end up in a tutu?!" Her expression is a mixture of terror and concentration as her eyes narrow and she stares ahead. "Think, Uta, think! Focus! What led you to this point?"

Silence. Concentrated staring. Silence.

Then, once her intricate reasoning has finally been distilled to a single-word solution, she dispenses it.

"...slimes. Where are the slimes?"

"Not a skill I have" Ayame smiles, with just a hint of a gleeful chuckle as Uta comes crashing back to the current situation "And it does. You look very sweet" She tells her, grinning and finishing her own food. She deliberately takes her time, not to discomfort Uta, but - well. This is to Help. So sometimes it's about making her not immediately run off.

"Your slimes are back at the performance venue, Uta, and I'm guessing you'll be showing off again later. You really did a wonderful show" She flatters

"Thanks," says Uta, after taking another nibble. "I guess I will be performing again. And again. And again, for the rest of the week. If I hadn't already given my word long in advance, I'd already be in Fourland." She turns to Ayame, shuffling, uneasy. "It's so hard to stand still. The book. It /calls/ me. It whispers!" She lowers her head and her voice, and in a ghostly tone, she chants, "Uuuuuta.... uuuutaaaa... come here... come here.... I'm waiting for yoooou... why aren't you here yet... ARGH!" She even twitches at this point.

"Oh, I'm sure someone could train you!", Uta beams, "Rylen taught me how to handle monsters, so I'm sure someone could train you in Song. I'm not sure I'm good enough to train someone at this point, but I know Giganpor went on a self-improvement journey to be able to teach Armor Forging. I might actually do something similar for my Song..." she taps her lips. "I've always kind of wanted to improve that... my casting system depends on it, and the Landers' Songs are..." She thinks. "...surprisingly interwined with the history of this world." She lowers her voice. "Oh, have you heard of people who undergo Strange Moods?", she asks. "Weird stuff. They hyper-focus on a subject for a period of time, and while they do so, they forget to eat, bathe, sleep... they just work on their Thing. And when they're done, they are suddenly unparalleled in their craft, and are offered a quest to become some sort of masterful professional in it." She shudders. "I've studied people who underwent this sort of thing. Scary stuff, let me tell you. Those people need all sort of constant supervision, or they risk dying of neglect. I'm glad it's relatively uncommon and, based on what little I seem to understand, it seems to happens only to exceptional people, so I'm safe there." More nibbles. "Anyway, according to their Pharmaceutical inspection, these people are Resonating with a specific Song. So... there is some really interesting material going on there."

"That sounds really interesting, Uta. Who do you know has suffered under one of those Strange Moods?" Ayame asks. Nope, no sarcasm, entirely straight faced as she moves to help lead Uta back to the tent, chattering away. Stopping in front of other displays to watch performers and lightly tugging Uta to do the same. "Perhaps it's limited to people with Song, if it's linked to the songs. I don't know them, and I don't have that."

About the slimes, though, she grows a tiny bit more serious "Look at it like this. You're still practicing, and you're still studying them even here. And you're showing other people how wonderful they are! Think what they might be inspired to learn!"

"Gwen was the first I've found out about. She went on to become a Moonlight Tailor. Then there's Jazuhanzu, Kita, Pela Clarpuff, Doctor Prophylaxis," She counts on her fingers as she proceeds, "Merek, Goldenblade, Schneider, Setsuna, Wisteria... uh... who else..." she trails off. And then goes silent. "I don't know, to be honest. Some of those people strike me as not really having the Song skill somehow." She taps her chin. "...but there is more material that suggests that Songs themselves might have extraordinary relevance. For instance -- have you ever noticed that part of the landers's songs is in some strange language, and that this particular language, unlike all others, /does not auto-translate/?"

"I hadn't thought of that" Ayame muses, nodding a little "Well, it seems we might want to set up something to help our fellows when they have them. I mean" Without a hint of irony "Can you think how hard to handle you'd be if you had one?" She asks, peering up at a trio of singers, dancing in time with one another

"I suppose it makes sense, though. The Landers have to have some things we simply don't know. Do Landers have them?"

"I'd probably be intractable," Uta mumbles. And then she looks at Ayame dead serious. "...Ayame, if I ever become intractable because of a Strange Mood, slap me. You have my permission."

She digs into her snacks again. "Oh, and I have already been working on something to help people in that kind of condition of course. As a healer, I've been devising a balanced dietary regime that provides a maximum amount of nutrients with minimal effort and volume. Figure out how to make each meal count as much as possible for both health and nutritional aspects. I've compiled such a list for Prophylaxis's benefit. I hope his friends are taking good care of him." She turns to Ayame. "I mean, normally I would do it myself, but..." Her eyes glaze over. "The Book on Slimes. It calls."

"I have never seen a Lander undergo a strange mood myself, but that is an excellent question. In fact, it didn't occur to me that Landers could undergo strange moods at all, untill, well, it did. And at that point... let's just say that while I have no /proof/, I've heard accounts of such a thing happening. And I suspect that I have met one Lander who might actually have undergone such a thing, even though she won't reply my questions on the matter." One last bite, some chewing, and the last of the two sticks of tentacles is finished. "I had planned to go find a Lander in a strange mood. It would not have been easy, but I had been preparing for a long time. And then..." Eyes glaze over. "The Book on Slimes. It calls."

"Uta, thank you for that permission" Ayame grins, and pats the Spriggan on her shoulder, before lightly gripping it and turning her back towards the performance tent "And yes, it calls, but you made other promises for this week. So we can focus on this, and then people will help you get to it sooner" She promises cheerfully "Now get yourself backstage to change out of your show costume, until it's time for you to go back on stage. You don't want to ruin it" As she trots alongside, with lots of neat little steps.

"That sounds wonderful. A good meal and diet is a fine thing. I don't focus on it, but I try to eat sensibly" She notes, a trifle defensive.

"As for the strange moods, I would love to know more, in time. Perhaps after you've found the book on slimes ... it calls" Maybe a tiny hint of malicious amusement. Maybe.

"Oh, no need to go backstage," Uta replies. She flicks through her menu, and after some shimmering, she's back into one of gwen's menu-crafted peasant's dresses. "Did you know that you can change by using your menu? It's pretty handy."

After Ayame's 'it calls', her eyes glaze over once again, and she echoes back, "It callls..."

After a couple of seconds of blank staring, she shakes her head and asks, "But that is enough talking about me. What have you been up to? I've realized I don't know much about you..."

"I do, but I don't actually change that way that much." Ayame smiles. She reaches under her shield, drawing out a small clothes case, the type of thing used for an overnight stay "This gives me a set of clothes every day. I tend to save it for important things, but it can produce the right clothes for the right occasion. So other things to do with that fascinate me - maybe something for me to look into in time" And a small shrug "I've been busy. Running around, helping people out. I duelled Kauchemar, and that might be a record for the longest duel ever. Two shield users? Eeesh"

"Oh, uh. That sounds nifty. May I take a look?", Uta asks. "That sounds like a very useful item." She winces at the mention of a duel between shield users. "So, wait, you are in the League? I'm in the league too! We should have a duel once I'm done with my research."

"I'd be happy to duel anytime you want. We can even put a bet on it" Ayame laughs, and holds the case to let Uta pop it open "I have no idea what it will have. I never do. It's always appropriate, so I'm not sure what's appropriate for a festival my alliance is hosting"

"...So, it's a... random clothes generator? I... I kinda want one now."

Uta pops the item open, and what she pulls out is an exquisite silken kimono, obi and all, with a festive decor. "Oh, wow. This is impressive. Are you sure you didn't put this in yourself?"

"I suppose we could bet, sure! That might make things more interesting."

"It is! Not entirely random!" Ayame says, looking at it with amusement and amazement "It's always fitting to be scenario. Still..." She takes the kimono, holding it over one arm. The other brings up her menu, and taps, and moments later the Sylph is done up formally, in the greens of the New World Alliance, detailed with the silver colors of her guild. She smooths the kimono, and manages to look a little bashful, in the beautiful formal wear "Well, appropriate for a festival" She agrees, returning to continue walking with Uta "What sort of things do you have?"

Uta nods in approval at Ayame's kimono. "Very fitting, indeed." And then she rubs her chin. "Oh, if it's not completely random, but provides you things dictated by circumstances, whether you like it or not, I have something like that. It's called 'Gwen'."

Uta, once again, walks along with Ayame, confused by her question once again. "What sort of... things? Uh... I don't own much in this world, to be fair. I have my staff, a bunch of outfits Gwen made for me but I am categorically forbidden from wearing until I've found that book, a Slime Laboratory at the Peko Ranch, a traveller's wagon as my home on the go, and... uhm. An inventory full of slime kibbles?" She scratches her head.

Ayame laughs a little, hiding her laugh behind a hand. For once, now, without gloves, her hands soft and smooth, small and delicate "They all sound very good" She reassures "I'd love to see more" She considers "And I really should talk to Gwen. Let her examine the case, perhaps. There might be a reason it brings things out so appropriate. I don't know anyone who's done any study about it, though."

Uta and Amaye are walking slowly through the festival. They have empty snackfood sticks. Amaye is draped in an elegant kimono, in the colors of the NWA and Silver Swords, and is gently guiding the spriggan through the crowds

Uta, having officially broken Gwen with how many of her quality outfits she's totalled by subjecting them to slime acid, is currently decked in a plain peasant's dress, a very popular (if overused) design, due to how easy and cheap it is to menu-craft (whether or not Gwen will live down having had to menu-craft something is still the subject of debate).

The Spriggan does not smell offensive, is looking clean and decently rested, and she's holding a couple of empty food stall skewers, sign that-

Her stomach grubmles. Quietly, this time, but it still does.

"See more of what?", Uta asks Ayame. After a moment, she continues, "I know that Lin, from Olympus, has a special relic that allows him to determine the name of who created an item. You might want to have him examine your case, that could be interesting. Be warned that he does this as a job, and he also works as an... information broker of sorts, if you want to go down that path. But he has been extremely valuable in my research, in the past."

"I'm not sure what I could pay them with" Ayame smiles to Uta, and then guides her back to another stall. Chicken wings, this time. She passes a couple across, and takes one for herself, nibbling it slowly "Have something else. You need to keep your energy up" She says with a hint of amused maliciousness "You have another performance later, I hope. I look forward to it" She smiles fondly.