*tumbles in* heloooo

Hiya! Glad the scheduling worked out xD

I was afraid I would be to early or to late xD

Lol might have to disappear in the middle cause dinner is running a bit late. Just wanted to give a heads up! ^v^ so you wanted to rp with me using james yah?

Ah that's cool! We can always resume once you have eaten. Thanks for the heads up! :D

And YUP! Good ol' James. I read the roleplay introducing him. I presume this roleplay would be taking place in Vepura since he just arrived there yeah?

If youd like lol hes a traveler of sorts XD so he can be anywhere really pff. do you wanna start it off or should i?

Well, we could do a meeting that takes place prior to him going to Vepura . That would be interesting! I'll be using Lumen, so a past roleplay would make sense! ^0^

Hmmm, well I could go either way on that one. I have always liked doing openings but I have never been opposed to someone doing them for me either xD

go for it man lol I like your rp openings X'D

Awww thanks! You are to kind! ^0^ So lets see.....What would be an interesting place for them to start off at? What is one of the places you imagined James visiting during his travels? Once I get an idea of where he would have gone, I can make an opening accordingly :D

Mostly taverns because thats how he usually gets his money by taking it off the drunkards in the place <X'D which usually involves him getting band. orrrr shopping districts to steal foods. So mostly towny areas. most interesting place would be a sea side port I have yet to do an rp like that yet

Okee do-kee! Ima real quick eat some of the pizza my bud ordered and then make the post when I get back okay? I had no idea she would order pizza honestly xD Forgive me, I can't resist pizza x3x

lol its all good cause i gotta eat toooo X'D

Aye! Coincidences are so nice ^0^

So will Citrine work as the location? Or should it be Afai? because Lumen could be at either. Since Lumen often frequents Afai for cooking ingredients and Citrine is where he lives. So either would work nicely. do those work for James too? :D

I return! lol Afai would work more since thats where he was originally before going to vepura. ^v^

Okay do-kay! I shall do the opening accordingly now! Await the big ol' post ^0^

Lumen had just finished collecting all the items requested by his master Akara. The list consisted of items necessary for making a large delectable herbal dinner. Wild clove. Clipped Afai Rosemary. Red chives, And an amazing aged blue cheese. Although, this was not an easy task. So after he gathered all these ingredients, he rented a room at a nearby inn and decided to go to one of his favorite pubs in Afai: The Shepherd's Hammock. They served a particular favorite alcoholic beverage for Lumen. And so with haste, Lumen walked into the pub. Its white painted walls and stable-like motife just brimming with the sound of laughter. And so he sat in one of the corner seats. As he awaited the waitress, he retrieved his notebook from within his robes and started sketching with a small chalk pencile.

Sorry about the wait xD I had to use the bathroom in the middle of writing >x3

James was at a nearby table obviously quite intoxicated or that's what he looked to be. Some shot came from his table "That's the fifth time!" James let out a laugh "Sorry boys that's just how the game goes. I'll be taking that thank you!~" He snatched up the gold into his bag. He walked away from the quite angry group of men he was gambling with and made his way to the bar walking past where Lumen was sitting.
(I have this thing where James is wanted in citrine for not paying his tavern tabs. lol lets see how this goes down)

(Okay xD)

Lumen had just finished ordering his beverage. And so he waited as he sketched the stick figure of someone not yet recognizable. He could hear shots from the gambling area of the pub. He would occasionally on his visits to Afai play a few games with the local gamblers. But today he felt like sitting back and relaxing as he sketched in his small notebook. He had much to anticipate on his return back to Citrine. His master's kind words of encouragement and the attention of a beautiful dark elf mage. Life could not be better. "What a wonderful life...." he whispered to himself as he enjoyed the evening. Lumen's head tilted up slightly as he heard someone approach. And to his surprise, he saw a particularly familiar face. At first he thought it was just a look-alike. But all it took was a few more moments to identify that it was none other than: James Heart Stealer. The Suave tavern man who wooed the ladies and cheated the men. he could not help but meet this individual. although james was a thief. He was nothing that could be even thought of as a threat. So Lumen casually stood up and greeted the man.

"Greetings sir. I could not help but see the way you handled yourself in the games over at the gambling tables. I hope this is not to forward, but would you care to play a game?"

(i meant shouts X'D oops, lumen don't you challenge this man lol he)

"Hmm? Whaddya say?" James did a dramatic like turn to see who was speaking to him. "You wanna play a game?" He put his hand on the table to steady his composure "Honestly I was about to leave, but can't say no to a bit of fun." He pulled up a chair turned it around and sat. (He's sitting on the chair backwards so he could rest his arms on the back of the chair if that makes sense.) "What game did yah have in mind beautiful?" he gave a small smile

(just a side note james flirts with both genders)

Lumen normally would have been a bit unnerved by the males sudden flirtatious actions. But Lumen had previously heard of this man's exploits in Citrine. So he was well prepared for his actions and continued his experiment.

"Indeed my good sir. The game I had in mind was Skrefkrig. Do you know it? Its a classic Erulean strategy game. I am sure someone of your level of expertise would be delighted to find another Skrefkrig player."

(Skrefkrig would be the equivalent of Chess. Only with 12 separate types of pieces not 6)

(I know. I had a feeling this would happen too >;3)

His drunkard demeanor was dropped when he heard the games name. "Haven't played that game for a while so I may be a bit rusty but, sure doll face I'm game" he thought a moment "You win I buy your next drink, I win you buy me mine." he smiled, he rather not bet the money he just won not even a few minutes ago so he thought buying Lumen the drink should be good enough. James now got a good look at Lumen seeing how he was dressed, and assessing whether or not Lumen had anything of value on him. From the gold trim on his clothes and how polite he was James could tell that Lumen was a higher up in class than he was, now did he belong to someone or was he his own boss was another thing he tried to figure out. All this going through his head as he smiled in a way that you wouldn't expect to have alternative motives.

Lumen eyed the man and saw his demeanor change at the mention of the games name. This was a sign that James was well learned in professional table gaming. For most normal tavern spelunkers did not know of it.

"Hmmmm?...."

Lumen thought over the James's stakes and shook his head slowly. A devious smirk on his face.

"No no, I am afraid that will not do at all. I am more than able to pay for my drink. And I, of all people know you can as well. Seeing as you cleaned out all those men over at the gambling table."

Lumen retrieved from his robes a much smaller version of Skrefkrig and started setting it up on the table. as he did so, Lumen's sweet strawberry alcoholic beverage arrived and he nodded his head in thanks to the pretty and youthful waitress who brought it to him.

"It needs to be something more interesting. Say, maybe a bit of personal advice? Man to man? If you win, I give you my advice. And if you win, you give me advice. No matter how peculiar. Do we have a deal?"

Lumen sipped his drink mischievously as he finished setting up the twelve piece board.

(Noticed my typo just now xD I mean't as: If you win, I give you my advice. If I win, you give me your advice" Sorry bout that xD

James was taken back a bit from the proposal, he couldn't tell what game Lumen was playing him for, but call him curious. "Alright, Its a deal" He stretched his arms a bit until they made a popping noise and got comfortable as he watched Lumen set up the board. To make small talk with the white-haired elf he started to question him "So what brings you to Afai? You don't look like a native so gotta assume you're a tourist." He continued to watch Lumen quite relaxed but still had his guard up just in case.

(lol oooo who should win is the next question I kinda want Lumen too just cause im curious ablut his advice X'D)

(Op XD welp i still wanna hear his advice )

(IDK!? I do not mind him or Lumen winning xD It is your choice! :D Either way, it will be delightful >;3)

"I am glad to hear it."

Lumen looked up from the board inquisitively with a smile at James's question. With great care he placed each of the pieces on their respective tiles. Making two symmetrical lines of pieces on each side.

"Hmmm? Oh, I am just fetching some quality ingredients for a delightful culinary escapade I will be sharing with a few friends."

Lumen finished setting up the board and took a sip from his drink. swirling the delicious sweet and bitter tang of the iced strawberry hard drink. It was worth savoring he thought. With the raise of his eyebrow, Lumen asked James a question in turn,

"But, I must know. What brings you to Afai? Surely you do not think I would not recognize a fellow foreigner? You must be here for some reason. Be it good or bad."

(I have an idea! If Lumen does win, Or vice versa, James wins. We'll still have them ask eachother the second advice ^0^)

"Ah got me there" he laughed "My line of work takes me everywhere I just ended up here. But to be frank, I'm looking for my older sister."
James saw him swirl his drink, "Quite the colorful drink, I personally like the watermelon special they have here. Now, who should go first? I don't really mind if you'd like to."

(lol alright but for laughs, James should win cause we all know how good lumen is at strategy X'D id be funny to see him taken back from the loss)

(Sounds good! It would be interesting to see Lumen lose at something anyway! xD)

Lumen gestured to the side of the board closest to him. It had identical pieces to the side closest to James, but they were made of sanded wood. where as the side closest to James were polished and bouncing light off its metallic surface.

"I prefer to be the Bonde."

Lumen then gestured to the polished metal pieces closest to James as he spoke.

"And it is traditional for the Edele to begin the game. So please, take the first move."

Lumen gazed into James's eyes. He could tell that this was not just some common swindler. This was an individual just as or even more cunning than him. And this made Lumen all the more aggressive about getting the game started.

"Alrighty then I'll go first" James looked at the pieces and without hesitation moved his first piece. The game had begun, from afar this would look like a normal game, but up close you could practically cut the atmosphere with a knife, these two were obviously fighting but not physically. Each trying to intimidate the other but still keeping the innocent smiles on their faces.

(s-should we time skip? X'D)

(Maybe >;3 I think we should do a bit more back and forth before we do so. Maybe one more post from each of us. Muahaha! >:D)

As soon as James moved his first piece, Lumen knew which tactic he was using. He quickly without hesitation placed a piece from the corner of the board one space forward.

"Oh, I see you favor the Waltz. That is a good one. It is perhaps one of the most versatile strategies one could pick. Page 741 of Seimores Stratagem. Although, I prefer a more defensive strategy. I am sure you can tell I am preparing the Goju strategy. So this should be very stimulating."

Lumen sipped from his drink. And signaled for the waitress. When she arrived, Lumen ordered James the Watermelon drink he had mentioned earlier.

"It is no good playing Skrefkrig without proper beverages."

James saw that his waltz tactic wasn't going to work so he immediately changed his original strat and moved another piece that. "Goju has a weakness, though overall it is defensively superior the weakness is leaving the back open. I cant remember all the terms so sorry if I'm not able to be up to par with you when it comes to strategies" When he saw the waitress he looked up at her and gave her a small wink which made her blush and smile then went to get his drink. Then she returned with his drink and gave him a slip of paper with it. James gave her a nice tip "Thanks, sweetheart." he waved as she happily went back to work.

Move by move each of the two took turns moving pieces, capturing each other's pieces. James had a few less than Lumen and all signs pointed to him losing but James kept his composure and smiled like he planned it.

Very early on when Lumen's Goju was countered, he did a complete strategy change to a more implosive style. Surrounding James's pieces and then checking them off. This had been working out fairly well for Lumen. He had significantly more pieces than James and thus it seemed it would be a simple act of routing James's Duke and to just avoid his Dutchess. On the same token, Lumen's Warlord would have to stay safe within the safety of the back of his circle formation. Since his Sorceress was earlier on wiped off the board by a smart shift in tactic by James.

(Duke and Dutchess being the equivalent of: King And Queen in Chess. Where as Warlord and Sorceress being the same as King and Queen only for the Bonde side)

"This has been quite the match! I must say I am very impressed by your tactics thus far. Such flexibility. I would say Salient in nature."

Lumen sipped from his drink and moved a Corsair piece diagonally and wiped one of James's Juggernaut pieces right off the board. Even though this was a sound move to take, James had a particularly nasty trap in waiting. As soon as Lumen removed James's Juggernaut, it seemed to have left an unforeseeable hole in his circular attack formation. He realized this as soon as he removed James's Juggernaut.

".......Well now that is impressive......"

(Corsair being the equivalent of a Bishop. And a Juggernaut being the equivalent of a Rook ^0^)

(Lumen is S.C.R.E.W.E.D. xD He made one move to many and sadly, spread his numbers thin >x3)

Drinking the rest of his drink he moved his Dutchess to Lumens Warlord. This move prevented Lumens Warlord to move anywhere without crossing paths with James Dutchess, and not a single piece of Lumens was near enough to take out his Dutchess.
"And with that, I would say I won." He smiled lightly but did not gloat for Lumen was a formidable foe in the game he took out almost every strategy James came up with but being the sneaky person he is, James was happy that he kept his triumph card hidden for so long. He honestly didn't expect to win against Lumen.

"You put up quite the fight. It was a pleasure to play with you." He once again smiled "Since I won you'd give me advice yea? But just cause I'm a good sport I'll give you advice as well. In places that are filled with strangers, I would suggest leaving your valuables at home." With that being said he pulled up the necklace Serah had gave Lumen and set it on the table to return it to him.

(sly and sticky lil fingers this one has lolol)

(Oh I just love this post! I really do! But just one lil thing I wanna point out. This is taking place in the past as I stated earlier before we started. So Lumen would not yet have Serah's necklace on hand. Just wanted to let'cha know. Because Lumen would not really travel far from the castle unless absolutely necessary because of the whole Erulean war thing :-;)

(So this may be taking place just shortly after Lumen helped Prima move. ^0^)

(I'm actually now confused what time this is taking place. I may have been the one who made the mistake here D;)

(ooohhhhhhhhhhhh Ooops my baddd then just scrape my post <X'D)

(let me just retype it sorry sorry)

(I has an Idea! Maybe he could steal one of Lumen's Earings! That would be not only interesting! But impressive! Especially since their expensive! And a gift from his mother <3)

(Just copy paste your last post and edit the Necklace thing and then its perfect! No need to scrap something so elegantly made ^0^)

James looked at Lumens grave mistake. He drank the rest of his drink and immediately moved his Dutchess to Lumens WarLord. This move prevented Lumens Warlord to move anywhere without crossing paths with James Dutchess, and not a single piece of Lumens was near enough to take out his Dutchess.
"And with that, I would say I won." He smiled lightly but did not gloat for Lumen was a formidable foe in the game he took out almost every strategy James came up with but being the sneaky person he is, James was happy that he kept his triumph card hidden for so long. He honestly didn't expect to win against Lumen.

"You put up quite the fight. It was a pleasure to play with you." He once again smiled "Since I won you'd give me advice yea? But just cause I'm a good sport I'll give you advice as well. In places that are filled with strangers, I would suggest leaving your valuables at home." With that being said he pulled an earring up and set it on the table to return it back to Lumen.

(I changed the first part just by a sentence it sorta bothered me X'D)

(Its no biggie! I have made bigger mistakes trust me xD That ones very minor and easily remedied! ^0^)

(I know the feeling! Several times during the Erulean King Event I reposted my roleplay comments because I felt I wrote it weird. But yours I did not even notice anything wrong ^0^)

(NOOOOOO! MY ENTIRE POST! :-;)

(It took so long for me to write it that Colors! Logged me out when I tried to post it! D:)

(oh noooooo q^q that sucks man)

(Yeah I know! It was over 320 words long :-;)

(q-q darn it colors why you do dis)

Lumen theories became fact as James's Dutchess cornered his Warlord. He was defeated. And the irony of the defeat was that his very own men formed a sort of prison around so that he could not escape the Dutchess. He chuckled as used his index finger to tip his warlord over. Beaming widely for his adversaries unexpected triumph

"Such technique! I have never experienced such a game before. You have accomplished no simple feat my friend. You have abolished my winning streak. That being all the wins I have racked up from 13 annual tournaments and a few rounds in the park. congratulations! What a pleasure! We simply must do this again sometime!"

Lumen bowed his head in admiration for his opponent.

"That is simply novel! I was thinking of doing the same in turn for you. Such is the sportsmanship of-"

Pausing mid sentence, Lumen saw his earing presented to him by James. Somehow the swindler must have purloined it while he was engrossed in the game. Lumen almost lashed out in anger, but before he did so, his mind milled over the fact that if James could have kept Lumen's earing. But instead, he was returning it to him.

"O-oh...My word?! Tha-that......Er-Thank you for the advice....And for my earing as well."

Lumen snatched the earing from James's hand and tilted his head to put it on. After he did so, he cleared his voice and spoke

"My advice is this...."

Lumen paused dramatically and smiled ghoulishly as he quickly cleaned up the Skrefkrig board.
"Maybe try dying your hair or cutting it. Because it was not very hard to pick you out of a crowd....James."

Lumen stood up and bowed to James with a smile on his face. After doing so, he went to the waitress and tipped her. Departing the Shepherd's Hammock with a smile. Without another word uttered.

(THERE! I put what I could remember of the previous one into this one xD)

(I am just dying to see ol' James's reaction ^0^)

James blinked a few times "I quite like my hair though" He pushed a part of his hair to the side then pouted slightly stood up and left another tip on the table for the waitress.
He left the tavern to look for the white-haired elf man (lol). It was the most fun he had in a while and he wasn't about the man leave before getting his name or having a bit of sport with him. He also wanted to know if they had met before and why Lumen knew his name.

Once James spotted Lumen he called him out "Hey wait a minute!" he ran over to his side. "It's not very gentleman like to leave someone at the table like that, especially since we bonded so well" he laughed slightly. "Not only that but you never gave me a name to call you. Very bad etiquette I might say, I might have to make a complaint to your employer." James was guessing that Lumen worked for someone. He laughed " I jest. though I really would like to know how you knew me, though I suppose my charming looks can give me quite the reputation."

Lumen enjoyed the fresh air. It could get awfully stuffy inside a building full of bustling people. As he was walking, he heard a voice from behind him. And it could only be from one person. lumen shook his head and smiled as James approached.

"Etiquette?"

Lumen chuckled at James's words

" My, I never thought I would hear that word spoken from none other than James ' 'Heart Stealer' '..... Or should I say, James Manos of Aurum. Heh! Excuse me! Just like you, I muse! How I know your name? Well, I would say you have quite the reputation in Citrine for purloining....But....."

Lumen turned around and looked at James. He feigned a murderous look at James. It seemed no friendliness was left in his eyes. It was almost impossible to tell if Lumen was serious or not

"Nina Papilon."

(lol you have gave him a last name I thank you <X'D)

"Ah citrine! havent been there for a while. I suppose I do habve a rather big bill to pay there... mmm" his ear flicked from hearing the name Lumen spoke.

"Nina?... nina nina nina... where have I heard that name before..." He didn't mind the hostile aura Lumen was giving off. "Is that your name? Cause well that's a very feminine name for a man, though i suppose it'd match your fisque."
He paused a moment but he couldn't remember. Something which he feared would get him in trouble with the already perturbed albino.

(*He didnt mind the hostile aura Lumen was giving off because he usually got that type of treatment. <--- forgot that)

(No problemo! I love this guy so much! He is #MariusFebi only better and in an environment he can truly flourish in ^0^)

(qvq im glad so far everyone likes him)

Lumen was truthfuly a bit upset that his cousin was swindled by this man. But even his cousin stated that she knew that James was sneaking articles of clothing out of her shop. And that she acted oblivious so that she could keep courting him. And furthermore asked him not to hold a grudge against the man.

"Nina Papilon is my cousin. She owns a boutique in the capitol city of Citrine named: Le Papilon Boutique de beauté. She specializes in Hats, Robbery and Scarves."

Lumen dropped his hostile demeanor and smiled widely.

"She always said you were good at games. By which games she was meaning, turthfully at the time I completely misunderstood."

Lumen laughed with a friendly demeanor emanating from him again.

It finally hit James like a sack of potatoes being thrown at him. He finally remembered who Lumen was speaking of. James was a heartbreaker of both men and women some of the people he courted he actually felt something for but he couldn't stay put which resulted in going back to his old habits of taking their things and leaving. He always wanted them to hate him, it was sort of his way of dealing with what he does as his way of life.

"She... was a sweet gal." he finally said. He looked very guilty but she wanted to settle down and he couldn't do that. He wouldn't do that so he did what he did best he left. "I've stolen a lot of things from a lot of people. And I'm not a good person, to say the least. But I've never stolen from her." He said that truthfully and hoped Lumen didn't resent him for leaving Nina as he did. "But I knew a guy who was... I did take the blame for him though..."

(Legit thought lumen was gunna point out the duke's daughter james courted lol I got a whole thing for him and that lass lol)

(Oh? I could adjust for that if you like! I am flexible ^0^)

(Oh geezz lol X'D i mean if you want you totally can, just means I can develop James more lol)

(And also, I gotta go. I am super sleepy! I hate to leave so abruptly, but I am actually really sleepy. I woke around 4:oo Am this morning with a headache. And after it went away, I really couldn't get back to sleep xD So I am particularly tired today. Maybe we could continue this another time? :D)

(Okee do-kee! We can adjust this as necessary when we resume this roleplay! :D But in the mean time, I gotta get some majore shut eye! I am SL-EEP-EE xD)

(op nighty night!!! ^v^ and yea totally should lol just give me a date and I'll see If Im able or vice versa)

(Okay cool! Thank you for understanding! We should totally schedule this sooner and not later! Good night and sleep soundly! ^0^)

Re: Thank you so much! That's what I was going for. ^u^ Yeah, I love Victini too! :D

Re: yes itd be a non canon event just like the genderbend event.

re: you're welcome, glad you like it! i'm really happy with how it turned myself. :D