what am i doing

[manforflowers]

How could I have not known about a city which so many gorgeous women? I suppose fighting the Risen didn't leave much room for matters of the academic... To think, so many beauties deprived of my charms! How could I, the daring and loveable Inigo, allow such a thing to pass?

These cafes aren't... quite what I'm used to, but it looks like they serve tea and cakes just as well.

[Or perhaps you'll just come across this wandering mercenary in the city. He's for hire - and if you happen to be a pretty girl, he'll work for free.]

Comments

[manforflowers]

[So she came from a family of dancers too... well of course she did, that's how she was so good. Naturally she'd be a dancer by trade. Not like him. Men in the army didn't exactly need male dancers. How could he compare when he was such an amateur?

No, the more he thought about her dancing, the more anxious he was getting again. On instinct, he swallowed those thoughts down and replaced them with the one surefire tactic he had to fight his shyness: flirt.

Instantly, that blush was replaced by a confident, charming swagger.]

My lady, I would have happily watched you forever. Your talent truly is a marvel to behold. The only thing that could possibly give me more joy than the beauty of your dance and your fair form would be to share a cup of tea together.

[magicdancer]

[Okay, yeah, this was as bad as she originally thought. She felt her eyebrow twitch. Why didn't she trust her gut more often? But why did they always have to be so transparent when they started throwing out pickup lines?]

Oh, I see. You're looking for some company, aren't you?

[manforflowers]

[Ah yes, the eyebrow twitch was much more familiar territory.]

That and more, if you'll have me. I can think of no fairer company than yours.

[magicdancer]

You know, it's bad enough that we just met and you're already throwing pickup lines at me, but could you be any less obvious about it?

[manforflowers]

Less obvious...? Oh, but I have nothing to hide from you, my lady. Besides, why should I be less than bold with what is plainly the truth! You're beautiful, as is your dancing - e-especially how your hip undulations layer such fluid movement into your choreography - and I want to get to know it-- I mean, you. I want to get to know you better.

[magicdancer]

[As unobservant as she could be some times, Shantae couldn't help notice how this guy just kept making slip-ups.]

Are you SURE you're not here for the dance club...?

[She was kinda wondering now.]

[manforflowers]

WHAT? No. I'm a lover and a fighter, not a dancer! Do I look like I dance? D-don't be silly.

[He was a terrible liar.]

[magicdancer]

[Yes, Inigo, you were a terrible liar. Even SHE could see through you. And that's saying something. Buuuuut perhaps she could weasel the truth out of him. THIS MIGHT BE FUN...]

All right. If you want to talk? We can go get something from the cafeteria and talk. But first things first, are you ever going to introduce yourself?

[manforflowers]

[Talking over cafeteria food was... sorta almost like a date, right? So, progress! Inigo was so glad to be steering away from the topic of dance that he was utterly oblivious to the trap he was about to walk into.]

Oh, yes! My apologies, fair maiden! Inigo is my name - I am but a wandering mercenary, travelling in search of beautiful ladies and those in need.

And, um, what should I call you, my sweet?

[magicdancer]

[She offered up her hand to shake.]

I'm Shantae, the Guardian Genie of Scuttle Town.

[manforflowers]

[On that cue, Inigo took her hand and kissed it.]

It is my extraordinary pleasure to have your acquaintance, most enchanting Shantae.

[magicdancer]

[Was this guy for real? Remember the mission, girl.]

Just "Shantae" will be fine.

[It was hard to suppress a small laugh at Inigo's behaviour. She packed up her things, stuffing a change of clothes and a water bottle into a bag, slinging it over her shoulder.]

I COULD go for a bite to eat right now, so you've got good timing. So, what's a mercenary doing here?