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[Harlequin]

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“Halt.” The Shihan’s voice was stern.

“But I just…” Quinn trailed off as Ka and Himeko approached her from opposing directions. Crawler stood guard from her left as the others took their places, right and center. “Hey….What’s the meaning of this?”

“You seem to know a great deal about all of this. Perhaps it is because YOU are the perpetrator.” Crawler lifted his head so that she could see his eyes. They were not amused.

“Ohh no, don’t you put that on me. I was busy saving YOUR citizens while you had tea!” Quinn tightened her fists at her sides. She was grateful that her emotionless painted expression hid the scowl that would certainly not have helped her case.

Crawler looked from Ka to Himeko. “We take her into custody.”

The three approached her smoothly, cautiously, and Quinn frowned as a wolf dashed past between her and the three captors. She recognized it instantly as one of the Wolf King’s companions, and the king’s voice rang out in her head with an urgent edge. Guardians, return to the caves. Quickly, you are needed.

“Ahh Rubbish.” Quinn backed away a few steps as the three closed in on her. Without warning, she screamed a war cry and pulled her vibrant blue bow from the sling on her back. The three paused as she leveled her aim on each of them in turn. “I WILL SEE YOU ALL DEAD!!”

Himeko drew her weapon, as did the other two. “Oh really?”

Quinn smiled through the painted complacent visage she wore. “Oh no, not really.” She slung her bow onto her back again and held out her fists before her, prisoner-style. “I was just screwing with you. Take me to your leader.”
_________________
Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.
~Paul Laurence Dunbar

[Harlequin]

---

"What?" Ka-Kurembo asked, seemingly aghast.

Quinn sighed and over-enunciated the word again. "Tea. Your lot know what that is right? You badger every tavernkeep for it, knowing they'll have to come -here- to get it." She looked at Ka, who only stared back at her, then shifted her gaze to Himeko. "Is he daft?"

Himeko turned to Crawler, who sighed heavily. "I'll get her some." He turned sullenly and stomped down the stairs to the tea room.

Quinn shook her head. "Not very stealthy for a ninja."

"Silence!" Ka-Kurembo commanded her attention again. "Now what is the meaning of what took place tonight?"

"Again?" Quinn looked at him with an incredulous expression, silently noting to herself that she should learn to paint an incredulous expression if she was going to get the idea across. Perhaps an arched black brow, with the second brow furrowed. She studied what it felt like to look incredulous while the expression lasted. A slight lilt to the left side of her mouth...but then the expression would just be quixotic to anyone who saw her, unless the situation actually -called- for an incredulous look...and even then, would it really be a worthwhile pastime to actively seek out situations where she could look incredulous without drawing suspicion?

"Mime!" Ka urged her as Crawler stomped back up the stairs.

"Tea." Crawler stated flatly as he handed her the cup.

"Oh it certainly is. Good job!" Quinn took the cup and sipped it ever-so-slightly for fear of burning her tongue. She decided that the argument need not be breached on the definition of a mime. Although, having asked for tea instead of pantomiming the action of sipping tea with a decidedly Geisha look about her, she would think anyone could have recognized the difference. This one didn't seem given to pointless argument. "Agh, this tea isn't even hot! Tepid, at best!"

Ka-Kurembo took an impatient step toward Quinn. "Do not try our patience. YOU are the one who heard the sounds of battle in the city, when we did not. YOU are the one who knew about the great green monsters. Tell me what you know of tonight's events."

Quinn sighed again, looking sorrowfully at the lukewarm tea she cradled in her lap. Philistines. Perhaps this would be a good time to bring up how hard this bench is.

"NOW."

Quinn jumped at the demand, nearly spilling her tea. Well, it wouldn't have been a -great- loss...but at least it wouldn't have burned...

"All RIGHT, all right...Keep your pointy hats on." Quinn raised a hand in pantomimed surrender as the three closed in on her again. "Listen, can I speak frankly...?"
_________________
Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.
~Paul Laurence Dunbar