[sblock=Galley, easily observed][sblock=Rowaini]
Rystil Arden said:
"Running?" Vanessa giggles nervously.
"Why would I need to be running? I'm a highborn lady of good standing...You know, you really seem to know a lot about Larakese culture, Diedrik," Vanessa continues, changing the subject, "That's unusual for a Rowaini, you know? I hear the Larakese are quite insular, and they usually don't accept outsiders in their home too readily, even for trade...You must be one of the few Rowaini who got a chance to see the mysteries of Lara Kai. What was it like? Did you ever see the Samurai, or the Ninja? Did you get to meet Roese Galienne, or was she before your time?"
[/sblock]
*Diedrik frowned, clearly disappointed by Vanessa's rush to change the topic. He humoured her nonetheless. She was nobility after all.*
[sblock=Rowaini]"I know the name, but yes, she was before my time. She made it possible for others who were interested in the culture to be accepted if they were truly interested in learning and understanding the complexities of Lara Kai. I saw many Samurai, but I'm afraid that Ninja are the stuff of legends, Lady Vanessa. Their claim to existence seems to be the fact that they don't, if you follow my drift," he explained, "But regardless, I'd like to go back there some day. There are still things I want to know. I digress though."
*Diedrik got back on topic.*
"Lady Vanessa, this is a serious matter. Yuriko and I have responsibility for the ship's security, and if you are on the run we need to know who's chasing you at the very least, if not why. While you are on this ship your's and the ship's security are intertwined, so helping you helps the entire ship. If your pursuers have the will and means to chase us through wildspace then we need to know. As a Rowaini and as the ship's security I am doubly responsible for your safety. Lady Vanessa, will you please help me help you?"[/sblock]
[sblock=Larakese]
Keia said:
"Interesting change of subject, yes, Deidrik-san?" Yuriko commented in an understanding tone.
"Hehe, it would seem so," Diedrik replied.[/sblock]
*Diedrik looked a little embarrassed after replying to Yuriko's comment.*[/sblock]
[sblock=Rystil]*The change of subject was a blatant defensive move, but unless Diedrik wanted Vanessa to feel threatened by the subject he had to roll with the punches and ease back onto it. A spoon full of sugar so to speak.*
Guess I had best start playing the part of a servant a little better, throw in titles and whatnot. Have to cater to her sense of being served if I want this to work. Perhaps if I take the angle of this being for her benefit.
*Diedrik didn't dare mention a direct reference to Kirkesh. Putting thought of him in her mind may have her retreat to the safety of his presence, especially if he chose the wrong words and applied too much pressure. He'd never get any answers with Kirkesh near. Diedrik knew that for certain, because he felt he shared many similarities with the roguish looking fellow. The traveller could likely parry any inquiries towards himself and Vanessa without much effort. It was Vanessa he had to prey upon to satiate his information hunger. She looked unnaccustomed to travel, not unlike what Diedrik himself used to be long ago, so it was a matter of playing against weaknesses he once possessed.*
Heh, a fox protecting a rabbit (if that, I can't be certain after all). Only once the fox is away can the ferret play. ![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
*When Yuriko spoke it took him off guard. He hadn't expected her to know Rowaini and thusly be able to follow the conversation. He had assumed speaking in Rowaini would allow a sense of privacy and allow Vanessa that much more comfort in knowing this was just a conversation between Rowaini. At least her comment was in Larakese, but it still rocked Diedrik a little. He hoped now that Yuriko didn't watch Vanessa too carefully. Scrutiny of that nature may apply the pressure on Vanessa that Diedrik wanted least of all.*[/sblock]
