VIDEO;

[dragonswag]

[ For once, Lina looks relatively calm and collected, more concerned about getting down to business than unleashing some explosive rage on some poor schmuck. This is Lina in business mode. ]

So there's a bunch of bandit gangs around here, right? Does anyone have any information on them? I'm willing to trade if it's good enough.

Comments

[the_other_eight]

None yet, but I'm fairly certain I could find enough to be worth while. What would this information be worth?

[dragonswag]

[ Lina crosses her arms, giving Pepper an appraising look. ]

I don't know. I guess that depends on what you turn up, now, doesn't it? I mean, you can't exactly ask me to shell out juulan for an unknown quantity.

[the_other_eight]

[Pepper's brow rose in return.]

You don't expect me to look for information without it being worth my while.

[dragonswag]

And you can't expect me to place a price on an unknown quantity! So now you see the dilemma.

[ Lina thinks to herself a moment, for once actually looking quite serious. ]

Look, you're obviously a very smart lady, and we're just two shrewd businesswomen trying to make a deal. So instead of talking money...how about we talk favors?

[the_other_eight]

Assuming that this would be the favor I'm giving to you, what would your favor be in return?

[dragonswag]

Oh, I don't know. Maybe you're interested in the bandit gangs, too. What do I know? But even if you aren't...

[ Lina gives her a grin, sort of sly. ]

Look, I know I might not look like it, but I'm actually a pretty powerful sorceress. There's a lot I can do with my magic.

[the_other_eight]

[Pepper doesn't look very impressed.]

Bandits and power aren't things that interest me. Although I could schedule a time for you to meet up with my employer to see if there's anything you could offer.

[If this person is such a great sorcerer then maybe there would be something that they could manage.]

[dragonswag]

Hey, it's not the bandits I'm interested in. It's their treasure. They tend to just collect whatever's pretty, in my experience, but sometimes they get their hands on something really valuable.

[ Lina's a little skeptical, because she doesn't know who wouldn't find a walking magic cannon useful, but she shrugs, not realizing that Pepper's employer is...Tony. ]

Sure, if that'd clear the favor. I mean, I think you're underestimating the kinds of things magic can do, but if that's what you want!

[the_other_eight]

I'll have to pencil you in for an interview then.

[She pulls out a date book.]

When would you be free?

[dragonswag]

Uh -- anytime, I guess. I don't really keep a strict schedule. Just let me know when you want me to talk to the big boss, huh?

[the_other_eight]

I'll scheduled you in when I can.

[audio]

[emasculates]

What is preventing you from discerning this information for yourself?

[She is the most helpful.]

[dragonswag]

[ SCOFF ]

Nothing, of course! But that doesn't mean I'm about to fly in blind. Only an idiot would rush in blind, without trying to gather a little information first!

[emasculates]

So you would rather rely on the hard work of others so that you are not, as you say, 'blind'.

[SMH AT YOU RIGHT NOW.]

[dragonswag]

[ LINA JUST DOES NOT GET YOU ]

What is with you? You got a problem with networking? Hello, it's called using the resources you've got. What, you think it'd be better if I rushed in with no preparation whatsoever?

[emasculates]

These are not 'your' resources. You are relying on the charity of strangers.

And that is not what I said. Learn to listen.

[dragonswag]

Hey, nobody said anything about charity! I'd be happy to make a trade for good information! Jeez, you sure like to think the worst about strangers, don't you?

[emasculates]

They have given me no reason to think otherwise.

[namely you. gosh.]

[dragonswag]

Well aren't you a bright little ray of sunshine. You don't have to like it, and honestly, I don't care if you think I'm lazy! If you've got nothing useful to share, then you can just beat it, all right?